General Literacy Skills in the U.S
Abstract
In U.S today, there is a problem in literacy skill where majority of adults have inadequate literacy and numeracy skills. This problem has led to many challenges in labor markets since these individuals are unable to perform well in the job market. Low literacy has led to a decline in employment and earning, poverty and health problems. However, organizations in the labor market address this problem through training in order to eliminate the skill gap. Teachers also need professional development for them improve positive learning outcome to diverse students.
Introduction
Literacy skills are important as they enable both children and adult face the world in different dimensions. In addition, they gain a wider understanding of numeracy and literacy which helps them create a sense of the world and address dilemmas. The following research shows that in U. S today, employees and employers are faced with challenges when it comes to work since employees lack necessary literacy skills. This problem affects productivity, profitability and leads to low wages and eventually unemployment. Organization are trying to address these challenges through establishing training programs to allow employees gain knowledge and skills required for working. Teachers are required to have knowledge; understanding and strategies in helping students communicate and interpret things through speaking, writing and reading.
According to Cappelli (2015), education-related skills have caused a big problem in the U.S labor market. Employer-associated organizations, independent and government organizations have reported that they are experiencing skill problems and they do not get effective workers due to lack of adequate academic achievement. From the research, the author states that there is a skill gap which indicates a decline in the academic performance. Organization gives skills-related arguments that in future, labor markets will face challenges since there will be work-force for labor demand (Cappelli, 2015). The business community persuades the policymakers to improve workforce skills especially on areas related with soft skills, customer service skills, communication and leadership. Other industries report challenges in areas based on technical skills. The article states that large proportions of U.S workforce have low literacy and numeracy skills and they present literacy problems on problem solving areas. Literacy skills contribute many challenges associated with employment outcomes and social well-being (Cappelli, 2015).
McGuiness and Ortiz (2016) assert that there is skill mismatches which is contributed by overeducating and over skilling. In other words, majority of worker in modern organizations have insufficient skills required in work and this is causing low productivity, low profitability and higher labor cost (McGuinness & Ortiz, 2016). Skill gap is noticed on areas based on management and communication among other core business skills. Majority of workers lack effective leadership skills and skills needed on human resources. Skill gap causes challenges to firms especially on productivity and work practices. Workers who lack adequate skills cause lower product quality. Skill gap are rooted from the education system where workers lack adequate educational attainment (McGuinness & Ortiz, 2016). The problem on literacy skills tells that students face challenges when finding employment in different career areas such as human resources, operational research and more.
Bakker, Koffel & Theis-Mahon (2017) introduces the issue of literacy skills in the area of health literacy and states that individuals need literacy skills in order to make effective healthcare decisions. However, U.S is faced with challenges on health literacy since a high percentage of American adults have low health literacy. Only 12% show proficiency on literacy and only 9% show proficiency on numeracy (Bakker, Koffel & Theis-Mahon (2017). The root cause of low health literacy is poor education attainment, minority population and financial problems. Individuals with low health literacy do not understand the medical information; they have poor health behaviors and poor health outcomes. These individuals also have poor numeracy where they are unable to interpret the graphs.
In 21st century, technology has helped improvement in literacy skills in that it acts as a tool for classroom interaction where students are engaged in critical analyses in online environment. Note that traditional reading does not fulfill the needs of students especially on online reading context. Thus, technology impacts students learning in a positive way (Blanchard & Thacker, 2013). Technology allows students view the global society where they develop high thinking skills. In 21st century, students need a comprehensive reading where they are connected to the real world. Other point is that computer-based tasks offer students the opportunity to explore and develop new ways of learning and thinking (Blanchard & Thacker, 2013).
Cappelli (2015) asserts that in solving the problems of literacy skills, there should be apprenticeship programs which involve job training. These programs will create positive learning environment, work experience, real responsibilities and foster close relationships. McGuinness & Ortiz (2016) affirm that the skill gap of literacy skills can be addressed through ‘training analyses’ where HRM will provide skill assessment. In addition, skill gap should be addressed through teamwork and providing training needs to workers and management. Bakker, Koffel & Theis-Mahon (2017) add that the problem with literacy skills especially in healthcare can be addressed through training where community and faculty forms a partnership for the purpose of training students on advanced skills.
In our community, there are literacy programs which provide lifelong learning. The program ensures that individuals in the community are able to communicate effectively through informal and non-formal education. Individuals are introduced to new technologies as a learning strategy. Through education, community members solve problems arising from low self-esteem, trauma, alcoholism, unemployment and more. In other words, individuals improve self-esteem, increase performance in working, create a meaningful life, and create a positive attitude and thinks critically (Blanchard & Thacker, 2013).
As a student, literacy skills are important for communication and collaboration, decision making, creativity and critical thinking. In 21st century, literacy skills play a big role in learning as students are expected to develop proficiency, build a cross-cultural connection, solve problems, analyze simultaneous information and show ethical responsibility in complex environment (Blanchard & Thacker, 2013). In organization and education institution, literacy play a big role in management’s responsibility in that managers or teachers should ensure that students and employees achieve literacy skills which they will use in the real world. Managers are expected to develop strategies and understand literacy skills in order to effectively offer information and technological literacy. Managers are required to build approaches applicable for balance of skills, systematic teaching, explicit teaching and purposeful teaching (Blanchard & Thacker, 2013). Professional development is a key element needed in monitoring, assessment and teaching diverse languages to diverse communities.
Conclusion
Literacy skills play an important role in social life and career prospects. Today, employability is affected by the ability to read and write and employees who lack literacy skills encounter challenges related with low wages and unemployment. Society also demands literacy as individuals are expected to be involved in societal issues where critical thinking and effective communication are needed. However, in U.S today, there are challenges of literacy skills which have made majority of adults develop personal and economical problems. Modern industries claim that employees lack literacy skills especially on communication and problem solving and this leads to low productivity, profitability and unemployment. This is an issue which needs effective interventions to ensure that people gains skills and creates a rewarding life for personal and economic benefit.
References
Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective training: Systems, strategies, and practices (5th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Bakker, C. J., Koffel, J. B., & Theis-Mahon, N. R. (2017). Measuring the health literacy of the Upper
Midwest. Journal Of The Medical Library Association, 105(1), 34-43. doi:10.5195/jmla.2017.105
Cappelli, P. H. (2015). Skill Gaps, Skill Shortages, and Skill Mismatches: Evidence and Arguments for the
United States. ILR Review, 68(2), 251-290. doi:10.1177/0019793914564961
McGuinness, S., & Ortiz, L. (2016). Skill gaps in the workplace: measurement, determinants and
impacts. Industrial Relations Journal, 47(3), 253-278. doi:10.1111/irj.12136
