The Roots of Illiteracy A problem that pervades our society and threatens to undermine all the "progress" of our culture is illiteracy. Why is illiteracy so widespread in the United States? In such a diverse culture the causes of illiteracy cannot be easily identified. The United States has one of the most expensive higher education systems in the world, yet 43% of adults read at a level that is unlikely to enable them to function in society. Nearly 22% of adults can't find their way on a road map. (McGuinness, p. 9) One in five adults cannot read a street sign, fill out an application, or read an ingredient label (Level 1). High schools award diplomas to graduating classes in which 20% read at a second-grade level or worse (Level 1). College graduates don't score much better, with 12% able to read at a fourth-grade level or worse (Level 2). Should society be concerned when only 3% of the population can read and understand the jury selection draft? Is it the education system's fault if it churns out kids who can barely function in society? Is it the fault of elementary school teachers for passing students on to the next grade when they are unable to put their simplest ideas on paper? Or is it biological, resulting from learning disabilities or brain damage? All of these forces influence our country's literacy. (Level 1-minimum proficiency; Level 2-low literacy; up to Level 5-"advanced"; 3% of all adults achieved Level 5; McGuinness, p. 9-10) The possibility that children not learning to read due to physical causes has been the focus of many studies. Dyslexia is a common problem and can be successfully overcome with appropriate instruction...... middle of paper....... (Elley, p.228) To solve the problem of illiteracy in the United States and in the world it will take time and a better understanding of the multiple causes that create our society of readers. "The value of literacy in achieving a fulfilling, productive, expanding and participatory life of freedom in modern societies is beyond doubt and undisputed. At the same time, however, literacy does not appear to be well understood." &endash;H. Graff (ed.). (1981). Literacy and social development in the west: A reader.Works CitedElley, Warwick B. 1994. The IEA Study of Reading Literacy: Achievement and Instruction inThirty-Two School Systems, Great Britain, Pergamon.McEwan, Elaine K. 1989. The Principal's Guide to increase reading achievement, ThousandOaks, CA. Corwin Press. McGuinness, Diane. 1997. Why Our Children Can't Read, New York, The Free Press.