When people think of an illiterate person, they often imagine someone uneducated and unable to keep up with their peers in reading and writing. Illiteracy, however, is not a rare issue. According to The National Literacy Institute, 21% of adults nationwide are illiterate, and the United States ranks 36th in literacy. These statistics show no signs of lowering, and the rise of generative artificial intelligence may lead to these rates rising further.

Illiteracy is defined as the inability to read or write. This can manifest through being unable to read simple signs or challenges communicating with others that interfere with a person’s everyday life. In recent years, the term “functional illiteracy” has gained popularity, describing a person who is able to read and write, yet cannot use these skills effectively in their daily life. Many functionally illiterate individuals may be able to write coherent sentences, yet are not able to identify the meaning behind the words they read or write. 

California has the lowest adult literacy rate in the nation, as 54% of adults in the United States read below a sixth grade level. As adults continue to score below average for literacy, students have begun to suffer too — 70% of low income fourth-grade students cannot read at a basic level. English teacher Sala Bandele-Jackson said that she has observed how students in underserved communities have struggled with literacy.

“In impoverished communities like Detroit or New Orleans, they really struggle with illiteracy because they are places that don’t have a lot of funding,” Bandele said. “Especially when it comes to early childhood education and access to that education. For a daycare that may be easily accessible, the qualifications of teachers at that daycare may not include teaching them how to read.”…