Forum peeves..?

[JackG]

Originally Posted by Peer

JackG wrote:
> in the census, people are often asked "Can you read and write"

This is not accurate. The international illiteracy census is quite more intricate than that. For example, it comprises items that are shared among the industrialized countries -- in addition to standardized reading & writing, it also includes daily/trivial things like finding the expiration date on a credit card, reading street signs, etc. And following this thread on this forum, it wouldn't surprise me that it will soon also include reading the instructions for microwave popcorn.

-- peer

You keep missing the point. There is no "international illiteracy census". There is no international standard test to measure illiteracy. Everyone does it their own way, so the results can't be compared on equal footing. Additionally, a simple google search will reveal that the published figures vary all over the place depending on who is publishing them and for what reason they were published.

It's a wonderful thing to be able to read, but even more important is to be able to understand simple concepts.

[unklekraker]

Thanks Rob! I don't mind being the guy who wear red vest serving popcorn or the usher with the flashlight while you guys watch

@Jack..I give you props, dude!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I still can't believe I'm on the Sideline on this one...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Rob-00BoxsterS]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I still can't believe I'm on the Sideline on this one...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Come on, Jim, get in the Game!


Engage, Maveric, engage.....

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Rob-00BoxsterS

Come on, Jim, get in the Game!


Engage, Maveric, engage.....

Hi,

Naw, this voyeur thing is kinda fun...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Peer]

Over the years there have been numerous international studies on illiteracy, all showing the same trend for the U.S. -- "Is our children learning?"

Currently, about 120 million adults in the U.S. are illiterate or read no better than at a fifth-grade level -- lacking the skills to handle many everyday tasks and read printed material such as credit cards, bus schedules, prescription labels and popcorn instructions.

If by simply acknowledging this fact is equal to calling someone's mother fat (as Mr. Z alluded to), well then, so be it -- your mother is a fat pig, (she probably ate too much popcorn ;^)

-- peer

[Brucelee]

My knowledge on this topic is limited. Certainly, the inability to read and write with some level of competence is a problem indeed.

Because I am so skeptical of governments in action, I wonder, just wonder, if the compulsory education monopoly that has been given to the local government units across the United States has anything to do with this outcome?

I would posit that is has.

I attended catholic school for the first 9 years of my life. When I moved to a public high school, I was just about ready to graduate from that school.

It was alas, a 3 year vacation of sorts (no advance placment classes and the like).

I was NOT better off for it!

Just one man's opinion.

[thomschoon]

Originally Posted by Peer

Currently, about 120 million adults in the U.S. are illiterate or read no better than at a fifth-grade level -- lacking the skills to handle many everyday tasks and read printed material such as credit cards, bus schedules, prescription labels and popcorn instructions.

-- peer

Not quite sure where you got the 120M number, if you use these:
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/us.html for the USA
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/no.html for Norway

It shows a 99% number versus a 100% for Norway, like any stat I am sure we could debate the accuracy, but I really don't care. I think that it great that all 4.6 million people in Norway over 15 can read, which makes me wonder why you came here to get an education if it is so inferior.

[7th gear]

Originally Posted by Peer

Over the years there have been numerous international studies on illiteracy, all showing the same trend for the U.S. -- "Is our children learning?"...

....hmmm. i was reluctant to respond but shouldn't the question above be phrased ...
-'is our child learning?'
-or 'is my child learning?'
-or 'are our children learning?'
shouldn't the one pointing the 'i'm so literate' finger be able to use correct grammar?

c'mon let's get back to 986's.

[Brucelee]

"We are the world, we are the children ...............!"

[unklekraker]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

"We are the world, we are the children ...............!"

We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving....