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Literacy Data in Georgia

We believe that literacy is not an individual challenge, but a larger, multi-generational community issue with inter-connected implications to business, government, education, culture, and family life everywhere in Georgia.

Health. Crime. Poverty. Every important social issue is impacted by low literacy. When individuals are proficient in reading, math and digital skills, they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, poor health and adverse societal behavior, to find and keep sustainable employment to support themselves and their families.

Key Data & Takeaways

Georgia’s Literacy Statistics

Low literacy is a national crisis that affects all of us. That’s why it’s so important to understand the issues and confront the facts head on. Only then can we stand together to work towards systemic change. Below are Georgia’s facts.

Adult Literacy
2023 Deloitte Report
1 in 10
adults in Georgia are low literate
Adult Literacy
2023 Deloitte Report
Nearly
1 million
adults in Georgia are low literate
Adult Literacy
2017 Deloitte Report
Low literacy costs Georgia approximately
$1.2 billion
annually in lost tax revenues, social services and incarceration
Student Literacy
2024 State Milestones
62%
of third grade students in Georgia are not reading proficiently
Student Literacy
2022 NAEP
68%
of Georgia’s fourth grade students are not proficient in reading
Student Literacy
2022 NAEP
69%
of Georgia’s eighth grade students are not proficient in reading
Student Literacy | 2024 State Milestones

Since the pandemic (2020), the percentage of third graders reading proficiently has increased by just 2 percent.

Only 38 percent of Georgia’s third graders can read proficiently.

Student Literacy | 2024 State Milestones

Over half of Georgia’s eighth graders are still not reading proficiently.

Sources: 2017 and 2023 Deloitte Studies, Proliteracy, 2022 NAEP, 2024 Georgia Milestones

Action Needed

We all have a role in literacy improvements. Keep apprised of Georgia’s literacy outcomes by going to Georgia School Grades. Engage your community organizations and leaders in literacy collaboratives that work toward meeting reading goals. Find resources to assist in these activities. Together, we can turn the page to a brighter future!