Measuring the Adult Literacy Rate in English: The Case of the Grand Rapids West Hope Zone

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to identify the adult literacy rate in the Grand Rapids West Hope Zone. SUBJECTS: The participants involved were a sample of adult residents in the Grand Rapids West Hope Zone. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A quantitative research design that incorporated a correlational case study was used to test the hypothesis. The CASAS Form 80 Reading Appraisal literacy assessment and a background questionnaire were used to implement this study. ANALYSES: CASAS scoring methods were used to analyze scores on the Form 80 Reading Appraisal. Reading appraisal scale scores were compared to the background questionnaire responses. CASAS reading levels were compared to NALS and NAAL literacy levels. RESULTS: The overall English illiteracy rate in the Grand Rapids West Hope Zone is higher than the most recent estimations. Native speakers of English outperformed nonnative speakers of English. Highest level of education, perceived difficulty in reading English, and frequency other adults and children helped interpret information in English were significant factors in predicting the average CASAS scale score. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, the illiteracy rate in the Grand Rapids West Hope Zone—75 percent--is higher than in the city of Grand Rapids—12 percent