Literacy Levels
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Literacy is the ability to use printed information to function in society, at work and in the family. It is the combination of thinking and social skills we need to analyze and use information to control our own lives, achieve our goals and develop our knowledge and potential.

In order to determine a person's ability to achieve these skills, an assessment is administered. Based on the results, the learner can be taught skills they require while developing their current skill levels.

Below is a brief definition of the Literacy Levels used to determine a person's level of literacy. The Adult Literacy Program at Windsor Public Library only focuses on individuals in Level 1 and in Level 2.

Level 1
  • 4.7 Million Canadian adults have Level 1 literacy skills. That's 22% of all adult Canadians
  • These 22% of adults have very low reading skills
  • They may recognize only a familiar word or two in simple text
  • They may not be able to use printed information to make decisions, such as understanding from a label the correct amount of medicine to give to a child
  • Shopping and other everyday tasks such as paying utility bills can be difficult or impossible
  • Many use smart ways and excellent memories to cope with life's situations, for example, passing a driver's test
Level 2
  • Nearly 5.5 Million Canadian adults
  • These 26% of adults can only deal with reading material that is written in plain language and is laid out clearly
  • They find new reading tasks difficult and long paragraphs of solid print discouraging
  • Many may not be able to fill out a job application form or a bank deposit slip
  • They believe they can read well but tend not to read unless necessary
Level 3, 4, 5
  • 11.3 Million Canadians
  • These 53% of Canadian adults have sufficient reading and math skills to meet most everyday demands. However, technical jargon in manuals could frustrate them
  • 33% fall into Level 3, a minimum literacy level to understand information and benefits found in the Canadian marketplace
  • The remaining 20% are found in Levels 4 and 5 and have the skills to understand challenging printed materials