US Workers Lagging Behind on Basic Skills

By MB -
From our friends at CLASP
Out of 24 countries, the U.S. ranked 16th in literacy, 21st in numeracy, and 14th in problem solving using technology (or "technology-rich environments," according to the survey). The study found that adults that come from socioeconomically-disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. low-income or poor educational attainment) are more likely to have lower skills. This relationship was stronger in the U.S. than in all other survey countries.
Existing research tells us that workers with low basic skills are more likely to be unemployed, earn lower than average wages, have poor health outcomes, and most importantly-pass these traits along to their children. This new data from OECD should act as a wake-up call to policymakers, demonstrating the importance of redesigning our skills development system to improve the skills of our workers and the lives of low-income families, while making America competitive in the global economy.
- See more at: http://www.clasp.org/postsecondary/in_focus?id=0108#sthash.XHOZHbKb.dpuf

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