The Center for Literacy
Understanding International Findings on Adult Literacy and Skills: from IALS to PIAAC
International surveys on adult literacy and skills have influenced government thinking and policies for two decades. They have also shaped the development of new assessment tools and the design of literacy and essential skills programs. Providers, policy makers and researchers thinking about about potential applications of the results from the current PIAAC survey released in October 2013. Before and since its 2011 Institute on IALS, The Centre for Literacy has gathered and organized resources that can help you understand the rationale, evolution and impacts of large-scale international literacy surveys. We invite you to follow these links to learn more.
- Background - links leading to pages that describe the international literacy surveys held from 1994 to the present
- Concepts and Terminology - links leading to resources that explain the terminology and concepts underlying the international adult literacy assessments, with an emphasis on PIAAC
- Country Stories and Reports - Papers, profiles and reports gathered from various countries participating in international assessments. Includes documents produced for Fall Institute 2011, Summer Institute 2013, and Fall Institute 2013
- Current Research: The Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) - Extensive information on the latest OECD survey, including results for Canada and other participating countries
- Implications for Policy and Practice - Starting with IALS, international literacy surveys have aroused discussion and debate surrounding their influence on adult literacy policy and practice
- Publications - Reports and other publications related to previous international assessments
- Related Research - International adult literacy assessments have provided rich data for research on issues such as health, reading and workplace skills
- Data Tools - Online data tools for international surveys
