A study shows that adult Americans are poorly skilled to compete in the workplace with adults from other nations, and that hurts U.S. prospects for economic development.
The study released Tuesday shows U.S. adults scored worse than international competitors in such areas as reading, math, and problem-solving.
The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies study showed that the U.S. scored lower than Japan, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands on competency skills that can keep adults competitive in the work marketplace. Australia and Canada also beat the U.S. in math, reading, and problem-solving involving the use of technology.
Economists say a highly skilled workforce is key to economic recovery. But Tuesday's study shows workers with low literacy skills earn less money and were more than twice as likely to be unemployed.
The study released Tuesday shows U.S. adults scored worse than international competitors in such areas as reading, math, and problem-solving.
The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies study showed that the U.S. scored lower than Japan, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands on competency skills that can keep adults competitive in the work marketplace. Australia and Canada also beat the U.S. in math, reading, and problem-solving involving the use of technology.
Economists say a highly skilled workforce is key to economic recovery. But Tuesday's study shows workers with low literacy skills earn less money and were more than twice as likely to be unemployed.