| This session focuses on functional literacy, the skills of the average adult, and implications for public health. For the first part of this session, Rima Rudd,Sc.D. of the Harvard School of Public Health and Irwin Kirsch, Ed.D.
of the Educational Testing Services will analyze the three critical functional literacy skills measured on the U.S. National Adult Literacy Survey [NALS] and the International Adult Literacy Surveys [IALS] conducted in 22 industrialized nations. They will discuss findings, disparities, and health related implications and offer an overview of current research and gaps. For the second half of the session, a panel of public health experts will reflect on the specific ramifications for risk communication, oral health, and occupational health and safety and will invite audience commentary. |
