OECD Nations See Deterioration in Basic Education Standards, Data Shows
An OECD study has assessed essential skills such as literacy and numeracy among adults across 31 countries. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A recent study has highlighted a notable decline in adult literacy and numeracy across numerous developed nations.
According to a survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), essential skills such as literacy and numeracy among adults have diminished over the past decade in most of its member countries. The Survey of Adult Skills assessed 160,000 individuals aged 16 to 65 across 31 countries, revealing that the decline is most pronounced among adults with limited education.
Published earlier this week, the survey evaluated reading comprehension, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities. It also examined how enhancing and applying these skills can positively affect employment opportunities, overall quality of life, and stimulate economic growth in the nations involved.
Despite government initiatives aimed at bolstering education, the study found that literacy levels stagnated or declined in the majority of OECD countries, which include 22 EU member states, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Over the past decade, only Denmark and Finland have seen improvements in literacy.
“This survey underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of how countries support the development of foundation skills,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann stated. He further noted, “As technology reshapes many jobs, these skills are more important than ever to face the future of work.”
The OECD has identified a connection between declining average skill levels and increasing inequality within the participating nations. The study revealed that many countries experienced the most significant literacy declines among their lowest-performing adults, with an average of “one in five adults [being] only able to understand simple texts or solve basic arithmetic.”
Additionally, the OECD raised concerns about a troubling trend in reading comprehension, which has stagnated or decreased in most countries.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to a survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), essential skills such as literacy and numeracy among adults have diminished over the past decade in most of its member countries. The Survey of Adult Skills assessed 160,000 individuals aged 16 to 65 across 31 countries, revealing that the decline is most pronounced among adults with limited education.
Published earlier this week, the survey evaluated reading comprehension, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities. It also examined how enhancing and applying these skills can positively affect employment opportunities, overall quality of life, and stimulate economic growth in the nations involved.
Despite government initiatives aimed at bolstering education, the study found that literacy levels stagnated or declined in the majority of OECD countries, which include 22 EU member states, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Over the past decade, only Denmark and Finland have seen improvements in literacy.
“This survey underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of how countries support the development of foundation skills,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann stated. He further noted, “As technology reshapes many jobs, these skills are more important than ever to face the future of work.”
The OECD has identified a connection between declining average skill levels and increasing inequality within the participating nations. The study revealed that many countries experienced the most significant literacy declines among their lowest-performing adults, with an average of “one in five adults [being] only able to understand simple texts or solve basic arithmetic.”
Additionally, the OECD raised concerns about a troubling trend in reading comprehension, which has stagnated or decreased in most countries.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
