Functional Illiteracy: How Parents Can Help

How many of us truly understand what functional illiteracy is? And how many can recognize and address it? According to UNESCO, functional illiteracy refers to the loss of ability by individuals who have completed mandatory education to adequately comprehend spoken and written language, articulate thoughts clearly, make logical connections, develop critical thinking, or utilize opportunities for improving cognitive skills. The Annual Report of the Quality Assurance Authority in Primary and Secondary Education (A.D.I.P.P.D.E.) for 2024 highlighted interesting statistics on functional illiteracy rates in Greece. Functionally illiterate individuals may possess basic reading and writing skills but struggle to understand the meaning of a text, identify its purpose, or connect provided information. This lack of full comprehension affects their ability to make decisions, learn, or communicate effectively, making functional illiteracy a significant obstacle to personal and professional growth. Linking reading with understanding is crucial for fostering active and thoughtful students. This work is vital for children’s future academic success and their ability to actively participate in society. The report attributes problems to early stages of education, starting from preschool age, proposing measures such as increasing the enrollment age for first grade to six years, implementing intermediate support programs for children with low school readiness, and emphasizing teacher training and educational material upgrades.