The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) is a nationally representative and continuing assessment of English language literacy skills of American adults. It seeks to:
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describe the status of adult literacy in the United States; |
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report on national trends; and |
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identify relationships between literacy and selected characteristics of adults. |
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has conducted adult
literacy assessments since 1985. A nationally representative
sample of adults will be assessed again in 2003, providing the first indication of the nation's progress
in adult literacy since 1992. See NAAL 2003: Overview, 1992 Survey: Overview
and 1985 Survey: Overview.
In 1992, states had the opportunity to develop representative state-level
data by participating in the NAAL. Six states (Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Oklahoma) have elected to participate in the 2003 assessment. See Literacy in the States:
Background and State Participation in the 1992 Survey.
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