Eps 4-The History of Literacy in America – Neurodiversity Moment with JoyGenea
Learn a brief history of literacy in America tik tok style.
I find that I can explain the why of some things when you look at the history of how we got to where we are today.
This applies to dyslexia. Once you understand the history of literacy in America, you can see why they felt a need to study why the numbers were falling and that is when they found a word for dyslexia.
To see the infographic and learn more visit my detailed blog HISTORY OF LITERACY IN AMERICA
TRANSCRIPTION:
Ok, so today what’s really worth talking about- I think- is the history of literacy in America its something a lot of people haven’t taken time to really kind of look at but once you understand the history literacy in America it puts together also the history of dyslexia. That’s another video you want to check out.
So, the history of literacy in America goes something like this- so, we’ve got this lovely little chart, we’ll make it really simple. Written communication starts in 3500 BC so before Christ 3500 then the first book appears in 23 BC then the printing press comes along in 1403-ish and that changes everything because now people can get information, share information, they can pass along knowledge and it’s not required to be via story or just the special people that can write. It shifts everything about literacy and about learning and people’s ability to be near education.
Back to our chart, so by the 1840s 91% is the U.S. literacy rate, so of the people in America in the 1840s the literacy rate is at 91%. It happens to be the best literacy rate that we ever have. Then by the 1920s our literacy rates around 70% at this point starting to become kind of an issue. We’re a little concerned about it. In the 194-s they start to keep track of that and start collecting data about the literacy in the United States and now, right now, as of today the literacy rate in America is 46%. That means that 54% of U.S. adults 16 to 74 years old- that’s about 130 million people lack proficiency and literacy reading levels are equivalent or below the 6th grade reading level. So, that is why somewhere between the 1920s and 1940s they start to look for reasons why there’s a decline and that when you go over and learn about the history of dyslexia very much coincides when dyslexia gets named. Thanks for joining me for another neurodiversity educational minute. I’m JoyGenea, international neurodiversity success life coach for adults with dyslexia. Thank You!
Thanks for joining me on another neurodiversity education minute.
I’m JoyGenea, Success Life Coach for Adults with Dyslexia