Traditionally literacy statistics have divided adults into two groups, those who can read and those who cannot. This division is misleading as the level of literacy of adults is really a continuum.

In this study, a low level of literacy represents a skill level lower than that required for successful completion of secondary education.

A person with low literacy may be able to read a little, but will have difficulty filling out forms, comparing data, integrating information and following complex or unclear instructions. Low literacy affects a persons' quality of employment, employment options, training opportunities, financial status, their ability to help their children prepare for school and their ability to access services.