1. U.S. Results From the Program for the
International Assessment of Adult
Competencies (PIAAC), 2012
May 14th, 2014
Daniel McGrath
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
1

2. 2
Presentation overview
What is PIAAC?1.
Overview of U.S. results2.
Literacy skill levels and other outcomes3.
Low-skilled adults in the U.S.4.
Education and Skills Online5.
Questions and Discussion6.

3. What is PIAAC?
3

4. 4
About
PIAAC
International large-scale assessment administered in
2011-12 in 23 countries
16- to 65-year-olds, non-institutionalized, residing in the country,
irrespective of nationality, citizenship, or language status
Laptop computer
or paper-and-
pencil:
In the U.S., 80% took the computer tests and
15% took the paper-and-pencil tests.
Assessment
subjects:
Literacy
Numeracy
Problem Solving in Technology-Rich
Environments or digital problem solving
Conducted in
English in the
U.S.:
Background survey in English or Spanish. About 4%
could not complete the questionnaire because of
language difficulties or learning or mental disabilities,
and 1% could not complete it for other reasons.

5. 5
Definitions of the assessment subjects
Literacy is understanding, evaluating, using and engaging with
written texts
to participate in society,
to achieve one’s goals, and
to develop one’s knowledge and potential.
Numeracy is the ability to access, use, interpret, and
communicate mathematical information and ideas, in order to
engage in and manage the mathematical demands of a range of
situations in adult life.
Problem solving in technology-rich environments involves using
digital technology, communication tools and networks to acquire
and evaluate information, communicate with others and
perform practical tasks.

6. Literacy item
Level = 1
Literacy example – low difficulty

7. Literacy item
Level = 4 (low)
Literacy example – moderate difficulty

8. Numeracy item
Level = 2
Numeracy example – low difficulty

9. Problem Solving
Level=2
[Note that PIAAC Problem
Solving scale has the
following levels--Below
Level 1, Level 1, Level 2,
and Level 3]
Problem solving example – moderate difficulty

10. 10
Participating countries
10
2012 2015
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea, Rep of
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Slovak Republic
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States
Chile
Greece
Indonesia
Israel
Lithuania
New Zealand
Singapore
Slovenia
Turkey

11. What PIAAC reports
Average Scores: Reported on a scale of 0-500 for all
domains.
Proficiency Levels: Reported as the percentages of
adults scoring at six performance levels in literacy and
numeracy and at four performance levels in problem
solving in technology-rich environments.
11

12. U.S. Results
12

13. General patterns of U.S. results
 Below international average in all subject areas
 Ranked better in literacy than in numeracy or problem
solving in technology-rich environments
 Higher percentage at low proficiency levels than
international average
 Percentages of top performers similar to or slightly
lower than international average, depending on the
subject
 Performance gap between young and older population
smaller than the average gap internationally
13

14. 14
U.S. average scores lower than the international
averages

15. Literacy proficiency levels
Locate
single piece
of
information
in familiar
texts.
Read
relatively
short
digital,
print or
mixed
texts to
locate
single text.
Make
matches
between
text and
information
that may
require low
level para-
phrasing
and
drawing
low-level
inferences.
Identify,
interpret, or
evaluate
one or more
pieces of
information
and often
require
varying
levels of
inference.
Perform
multiple-
step
operations
to
integrate,
interpret, or
synthesize
information
from
complex
texts, and
may require
complex
inferences.
Integrate
information
across
multiple,
dense
texts;
construct
syntheses,
ideas or
points of
view; or
evaluate
evidence
based
arguments.
Below
Level 1
(0-175)
Level 1
176-225
Level 2
226-275
Level 3
276-325
Level 4
326-375
Level 5
376+
15

16. Numeracy proficiency levels
Perform
basic tasks:
counting,
arithmetic
operations
with whole
numbers.
Perform one-
step tasks:
count; sort;
arithmetic
operations;
understanding
simple percent
(ex. 50%).
Perform 2 or
more
calculations,
simple
measurement;
spatial
representation;
estimation; and
interpret simple
tables, graphs.
Understand
& work with
mathematical
patterns,
proportions,
basic
statistics
expressed in
verbal or
numerical
form.
Perform
analysis,
complex
reasoning,
statistics and
chance;
spatial
relationships;
and
communicat-
ing well-
reasoned
explanations
for answers.
Understand
complex
abstract
mathema-
tical and
statistical
ideas,
embedded
in complex
texts, draw
inferences;
arguments
or models;
justify,
reflect on
solutions or
choices.
Below
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
16

17. Problem solving in technology-rich environments
(digital problem solving) proficiency levels
Tasks are well-
defined
involving use
of only one
function
within a
generic
interface.
Tasks require
little or no
navigation, and
only a few steps
to access
information for
solving the
problem. There
are few
monitoring
demands.
Tasks require
some
navigation
across pages
and
applications for
solving the
problem.
Evaluating the
relevance, some
integration and
inferential
reasoning may
be needed.
Task may involve
multiple steps
and operators,
navigation
across pages
and
applications.
There are
typically high
monitoring
demands, and
evaluation of
relevance and
reliability of
information.
Below
Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
17

18. 18
Distribution of literacy skills in the U.S. and other countries

19. 19
Distribution of numeracy skills in the U.S. and other countries

20. 20
Distribution of digital problem solving skills in the U.S. and other
countries

21. Literacy skill levels and other outcomes
21

22. 22
In literacy, U.S. gaps larger by educational attainment and
skill level of job, but similar to international average by
income and employment status

23. 23
Source: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) (2012)
- Low trust in others
- Low levels of political efficacy
- Low levels of volunteering
- Poor health
Adults at or below level 1 in literacy are more likely than
those at level 4/5 to report:

24. 24
Source: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) (2012)
Participation rate in adult education by literacy proficiency levels
Lower-skilled adults less likely to be in training…
…Still,
about 30%
of U.S.
adults at
lowest
level had
training in
last 12
months

25. Low-skilled adults in the U.S.
25

26. Literacy skill descriptions at the lower levels
26
Can read brief texts on
familiar topics to locate a
single piece of specific
information. Only basic
vocabulary knowledge is
required, and the reader is
not required to understand
the structure of sentences
or paragraphs.
Can read relatively short
digital or print continuous,
non-continuous, or mixed
texts to locate a single piece
of information. Knowledge
and skill in recognizing basic
vocabulary determining the
meaning of sentences, and
reading paragraphs of text is
expected.
Can integrate two or more
pieces of information
based on criteria,
compare and contrast or
reason about information
and make low-level
inferences. Navigate
within digital texts to
access and identify
information.
0 175 275225Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

27. 27
How many low-skilled adults in the U.S.?
33% at level 2 times 206 M adults 16-65 = ~68 million
14% at level 1 ~29 million
4% below level 1 ~8 million
4% literacy-related non-response ~8 million

28. 28
Source: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC)
(2012) U.S. national dataset
Race/ethnicity of adults with low literacy skills in the U.S.
More than half of U.S. adult population below level 1 or at level 1 are
black or Hispanic

29. 29
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Employment status
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Employed
full-time
(52%)
Employed
part-time
(12%)
Unemployed
(8%)
In school
(10%)
Retired (4%)Permanently
disabled
(5%)
Looking
after family
(6%)
Other (3%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

30. 30
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Gender
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Men (49%) Women (51%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

31. 31
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Age
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
16-24 (18%) 25-34 (20%) 35-44 (20%) 45-54 (22%) 55-65 (19%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

32. 32
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Educational attainment
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Grad or prof.
degree (10%)
Bachelor’s degree
(16%)
Associate’s degree
(9%)
High school
credential (50%)
Below high school
(15%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

33. 33
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
First language
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
English as first language (85%) Other as first language (15%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

34. 34
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Immigration status
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Born in U.S. (85%) Not Born in U.S. (15%)
Percentageofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

35. 35
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Occupation
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Legislators,
officials, and
managers (10%)
Professionals
(21%)
Technicians and
associates (16%)
Clerks (8%) Service
workers/sales
(21%)
Crafts and
trades workers
(9%)
Machine
operators (6%)
Elementary
occupations
(8%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

36. 36
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Industry
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Percentageofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

37. An online assessment tool for providers
(and others):
Education and Skills Online
37

38. What is Education & Skills Online
An assessment
tool designed to
provide
individual level
results linked to
PIAAC
Measures both
cognitive and
non-cognitive
skills
In the US it is
available both in
English and
Spanish
Will be
downloadable
on demand over
the internet
38

39. Education & Skills Online components
Background Questionnaire
Cognitive Items:
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Problem-solving in Technology rich environment (optional)
• Reading Components (optional)
Optional Non-Cognitive Module
Reporting Scores:
• Proficiency levels
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Summary information for each non-cognitive areas
• Internationally comparative information
39

40. Uses and benefits of Education & Skills Online
Appropriate for use in both educational and workplace settings
Can be used to evaluate classes, programs or any group of
respondents
Organizations will have access to their database for further analyses
Tests cover a wide range of skills and domains
Individuals and organizations have flexibility to determine which skills
to assess
40

41. Additional household sample (3,600) focusing on:
• unemployed adults (ages 16–65)
• two groups of young adults (ages 16–24 and 25–34)
• older adults (ages 66–74)
Separate sample of 1,200 incarcerated adults (ages 16–
74)
Results should be available late 2015 or early 2016
Additional Data Collection: U.S. National Supplement

42. For more information
42
Questions
and
Discussion
NCES: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/
or
Eugene Owen: 202-502-7422
eugene.owen@ed.gov
OECD: http://www.oecd.org/site/piaac/
PIAAC Data
Explorer
http://piaacdataexplorer.oecd.org/ide/idepiaac/
More: http://piaacgateway.com/

43. 43
Tables behind the charts

44. 44
U.S. Pop. 16-65 = approx. 200
million Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
populatio
n
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Employment status
Employed full-time 52 4 12 31
Employed part-time 12 4 15 36
Unemployed 8 5 24 41
In school 10 2 10 35
Retired 4 3 16 36
Permanently disabled 5 14 29 40
Looking after family 6 3 14 38
Other 3 5 12 35
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Employment status

45. 45
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Gender
Men 49 4 14 31
Women 51 4 13 34
Age
16-24 19 2 12 37
25-34 20 4 12 30
35-44 20 3 14 31
45-54 22 6 14 32
55-65 19 5 16 34
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Gender and age

46. 46
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Educational attainment
Grad/professional degree 10 # 2 15
Bachelor’s degree 16 1 4 22
Associate’s degree 9 1 6 34
High school credential 50 3 17 41
Below high school 15 15 31 37
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Educational attainment

47. 47
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Occupation
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Occupation classification
Legislators, officials, and
managers 10 1 6 22
Professionals 21 # 3 20
Technicians and associates 16 2 8 32
Clerks 8 1 11 34
Service workers/sales 21 5 17 37
Crafts and trades workers 9 4 19 42
Machine operators 6 9 20 45
Elementary occupations 8 12 26 37
Estimates for occupations not shown do not meet reporting standards.

48. 48
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Industry
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Industry classification
Manufacturing 11 4 13 35
Construction 7 5 22 41
Retail trade 12 4 14 39
Transportation 4 7 22 35
Accommodation and food service 7 9 21 33
Information and communication 4 * 3 19
Financial services 5 1 9 22
Professional and scientific 5 1 2 19
Administrative 6 8 17 43
Public administration 7 1 8 25
Education 9 1 4 23
Health 14 4 12 34
Arts and entertainment 2 2 12 28
Other 3 3 9 34
Estimates for industries not shown do not meet reporting standards.

49. 49
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in literacy?
Language, immigration status
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below Level
1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 4 14 33
Language
English as first
language 85 2 12 34
Other as first
language 15 15 24 33
Immigration Status
Born in U.S. 85 2 12 34
Not born in U.S. 15 15 25 31

50. 50
U.S. Pop. 16-65 = approx. 200 million Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 9 20 33
Employment status
Employed full-time 52 7 17 33
Employed part-time 12 9 22 36
Unemployed 8 18 32 34
In school 10 6 21 37
Retired 4 10 21 36
Permanently disabled 5 28 32 31
Looking after family 6 9 22 39
Other 3 10 18 34
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Employment status

51. 51
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 9 20 33
Gender
Men 49 8 18 30
Women 51 10 21 35
Age
16-24 19 7 22 37
25-34 20 8 17 32
35-44 20 8 19 29
45-54 22 11 19 33
55-65 19 11 21 33
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Gender and age

52. 52
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 9 20 33
Educational attainment
Grad/professional degree 10 1 4 20
Bachelor’s degree 16 1 8 27
Associate’s degree 9 3 13 42
High school credential 50 9 26 40
Below high school 15 30 33 28
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Educational attainment

53. 53
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Occupation
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below Level
1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 9 20 33
Occupation classification
Legislators, officials, and
managers 10 2 9 25
Professionals 21 1 7 25
Technicians and associates 16 5 15 37
Clerks 8 4 16 44
Service workers/sales 21 13 25 36
Crafts and trades workers 9 8 23 39
Machine operators 6 14 27 41
Elementary occupations 8 20 30 32
Estimates for occupations not shown do not meet reporting standards.

54. 54
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Language and immigration status
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26
Language
English as first
language 85 7 20 35
Other as first
language 15 23 26 28
Immigration Status
Born in U.S. 85 7 20 35
Not born in U.S. 15 23 25 27

55. 55
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Industry
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below Level
1 Level 1 Level 2
All U.S. 16-65 100
Industry classification
Manufacturing 1 7 16 34
Construction 7 9 25 39
Retail trade 12 8 23 37
Transportation 4 11 24 39
Accommodation and
food service 7 16 26 33
Information and
communication 4 1 6 24
Financial services 5 3 12 32
Professional and
scientific 5 1 7 22
Administrative 6 13 25 40
Public administration 7 4 14 29
Education 9 2 8 33
Health 14 10 20 35
Arts and entertainment 2 7 16 30
Other 3 7 13 35
Estimates for industries not shown do not meet reporting standards.

56. 56
U.S. Pop. 16-65 = approx. 200 million Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
Took paper
& pencil
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26 16
Employment status
Employed full-time 52 16 35 30 13
Employed part-time 12 17 37 26 16
Unemployed 8 25 30 18 25
In school 10 9 39 37 6
Retired 4 21 31 18 28
Permanently disabled 5 19 24 5 51
Looking after family 6 15 36 30 15
Other 3 16 34 28 17
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Employment status

57. 57
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
Took paper
& pencil
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26 16
Gender
Men 49 15 30 26 17
Women 51 16 36 26 15
Age
16-24 19 11 39 31 7
25-34 20 14 33 32 10
35-44 20 17 31 28 13
45-54 22 18 33 22 20
55-65 19 18 31 17 27
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Gender and age

58. 58
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
Took paper &
pencil
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26 16
Educational attainment
Grad/professional degree 10 5 31 48 3
Bachelor’s degree 16 8 34 42 5
Associate’s degree 9 14 42 32 6
High school credential 50 21 37 22 17
Below high school 15 19 26 12 41
Who are the low skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Educational attainment

59. 59
U.S. Pop. 16-65 = approx. 200 million Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Literacy-
related
non-resp
Took paper
& pencil
All U.S. 16-65 100 33 26 5 4 16
Employment status
Employed full-time 52 35 30 7 # 13
Employed part-time 12 37 26 4 # 16
Unemployed 8 30 18 2 # 25
In school 10 39 37 8 # 6
Apprentice/intern # ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
Retired 4 31 18 1 1 28
Permanently disabled 5 24 5 # # 51
Compulsory service ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
Looking after family 6 36 30 4 # 15
Other 3 34 28 5 # 17
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Employment status

60. 60
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Occupation
Perc. of.
pop.
Below
Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
Lit. non-
resp. Took P&P
All U.S. 16-65 100 20 41 33 4 16
Occupation classification
Legislators, officials, and
managers 10 12 33 44 # 4
Professionals 21 8 33 46 # 3
Technicians and associates 16 15 45 35 # 8
Clerks 8 18 45 33 # 6
Service workers/sales 21 27 44 26 # 16
Crafts and trades workers 9 29 43 24 # 20
Machine operators 6 35 48 15 # 34
Elementary occupations 8 27 46 24 # 34
Estimates for occupations not shown do not meet reporting standards.

61. 61
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Industry
Percent of subpopulation
Perc. of pop.Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2
Lit. non-
resp. Took p&p
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26 4 16
Industry classification
Manufacturing 11 18 42 32 # 17
Construction 6 34 41 23 # 24
Retail trade 12 25 42 30 # 14
Transportation 4 34 42 22 # 20
Accommodation & food
service 6 24 45 27 # 21
Information and
communication 5 4 32 46 # 6
Financial services 5 10 40 40 # 4
Professional and scientific 6 6 33 48 # 3
Administrative 5 26 45 25 # 18
Public administration 7 14 36 40 # 6
Education 10 10 39 42 # 4
Health 14 21 43 31 # 11
Arts and entertainment 3 12 40 37 # 6
Other 3 13 45 38 # 15
Estimates for industries not shown do not meet reporting standards.

62. 62
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Language and Immigration status
Percent of subpopulation
Percent of
population
Below Level
1 Level 1 Level 2
Literacy-related
non-resp
Took paper
& pencil
All U.S. 16-65 100 16 33 26 4 16
Language
English as first
language 85 16 36 29 # 13
Other as first
language 15 22 24 15 1 36
Immigration Status
Born in U.S. 85 18 42 34 # 13
Not born in U.S. 15 37 39 22 # 36

63. U.S. average literacy score (270) lower than the
international average (273)
Lower than in 12 countries:
Japan, Finland, Netherlands,
Australia, Sweden, Norway, Estonia,
Flanders-Belgium, Czech Republic,
Slovak Republic, Canada, Republic of
Korea
Not significantly different than
in 5 countries:
England and Northern Ireland- U.K.,
Denmark, Germany, Austria, Cyprus
Higher than in 5 countries:
Poland, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy
63

64. U.S. average numeracy score (253) lower than the
international average (269)
Lower than in 18 countries:
Japan, Finland, Flanders-Belgium,
Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark,
Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Austria,
Estonia, Germany, Australia, Canada,
Cyprus, Republic of Korea, England and
Northern Ireland- U.K., Poland
Not significantly different
than in 2 countries:
Ireland, France
Higher than in 2 countries:
Italy, Spain
64

65. U.S. average problem solving in technology-rich
environments score (277) lower than the international
average (283)
Lower than in 14 countries:
Japan, Finland, Australia, Sweden, Norway,
Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Czech
Republic, Republic of Korea,
Germany, Canada, Slovak Republic,
Flanders-Belgium
Not significantly different than in 4
countries:
England and Northern Ireland- U.K.,
Estonia, Ireland, Poland
65

66. 66
U.S. gaps in literacy scores larger than international
average by parental education and nativity status

67. U.S. gaps in literacy scores similar to international
average by gender, smaller by age, and larger by health
status
67

68. U.S. gaps in numeracy scores larger than international
average by parental education, not different by nativity
status
68

69. 69
In numeracy, U.S. gaps larger by educational attainment,
income, and skill level of job, but similar to international
average by employment status

70. 70
In numeracy, U.S. gap similar to international average by
gender, smaller by age, and larger by health status

71. 71
In problem solving in technology-rich environments, U.S.
gaps similar to international average by educational
attainment, income, employment status, and skill level of
job

72. 72
In problem solving in technology-rich environments,
U.S. gaps similar to international average by gender and
health status, but smaller by age

73. U.S. average literacy score in 2012 not significantly
different from 2003, but lower than in 1994
73*p < .05. Average score is significantly different from PIAAC.
IALS:
273*
ALL:
268
PIAAC:
270
245
250
255
260
265
270
275
280
285
1994 2003 2012

74. U.S. average numeracy score in 2012 lower than in
2003
74
*p < .05. Average score is significantly different from PIAAC.
ALL:
262*
PIAAC:
253
235
240
245
250
255
260
265
270
275
2003 2012

75. 75
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Employment status
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Employed full-
time (52%)
Employed
part-time
(12%)
Unemployed
(8%)
In school (10%) Retired (4%) Permanently
disabled (5%)
Looking after
family (6%)
Other (3%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

76. 76
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Gender
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Men (49%) Women (51%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

77. 77
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Age
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
16-24 (18%) 25-34 (20%) 35-44 (20%) 45-54 (22%) 55-65 (19%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

78. 78
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Educational attainment
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Grad or prof.
degree (10%)
Bachelor’s degree
(16%)
Associate’s degree
(9%)
High school
credential (50%)
Below high school
(15%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

79. 79
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
First language
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
English as first language (85%) Other as first language (15%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

80. 80
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Immigration status
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Born in U.S. (85%) Not Born in U.S. (15%)
Percentageofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

81. 81
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Occupation
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Legislators,
officials, and
managers (10%)
Professionals
(21%)
Technicians and
associates (16%)
Clerks (8%) Service
workers/sales
(21%)
Crafts and
trades workers
(9%)
Machine
operators (6%)
Elementary
occupations
(8%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

82. 82
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in numeracy?
Industry
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2

83. 83
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Employment status
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Employed
full-time
(52%)
Employed
part-time
(12%)
Unemployed
(8%)
In school
(10%)
Retired (4%) Permanently
disabled
(5%)
Looking after
family (6%)
Other (3%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

84. 84
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Gender
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Men (49%) Women (51%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

85. 85
Who are the low-skilled adults in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Age
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
16-24 (18%) 25-34 (20%) 35-44 (20%) 45-54 (22%) 55-65 (19%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

86. 86
Who are the level 1, 2, and 3 in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Educational attainment
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Grad or prof.
degree (10%)
Bachelor’s degree
(16%)
Associate’s degree
(9%)
High school
credential (50%)
Below high school
(15%)
Percentageofpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

87. 87
Who are the level 1, 2, and 3 in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
First language
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
English as first language (85%) Other as first language (15%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

88. 88
Who are the level 1, 2, and 3 in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Immigration status
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Born in U.S. (85%) Not born in country (15%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

89. 89
Who are the level 1, 2, and 3 in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Occupation
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Legislators,
officials, and
managers (10%)
Professionals
(21%)
Technicians and
associates (16%)
Clerks (8%) Service
workers/sales
(21%)
Crafts and
trades workers
(9%)
Machine
operators (6%)
Elementary
occupations
(8%)
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil

90. 90
Who are the level 1, 2, and 3 in the U.S. in digital problem solving?
Industry
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Percentofsubpopulation
Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Took paper and pencil