WHY LITERACY EDUCATION? The ability to read, write, and comprehend the English language is vital to the workplace and society More than 20 percent of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level - far below the level needed to earn a living wage The National Adult Literacy Survey found that over 40 million Americans age 16 and older have significant literacy needs.  In the Fox Valley, it is estimated that one-in-ten adults need help Nearly 32 million people in the United States speak a primary language other than English Approximately 1 million Wisconsin adults qualify for adult literacy and English language services (U.S. Census 2000 and NALS 1992.) Only 75,000 (or less than 10%) or adults in need of services are currently receiving them. 18.93%, or 785,682 Wisconsin adults age 16 and older are not enrolled in school and do not have a high school diploma. 7.3% of residents over the age of 5 speak a language other than English at home. From 1990 to 2000 the Hispanic or Latino population in Wisconsin more than doubled. (U.. Census 2000) Wisconsin has the worst graduation rate (50th out of 50 states) for African Americans. (Center on Wisconsin Strategy 2002)