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Literacy Skills Decline in Wealthy Countries Including the United States

Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development show literacy skills falling in several wealthy developed countries. The OECD Director of Education and Skills said reading to children and longer books are linked to stronger digital literacy.

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1 source·May 18, 5:35 PM(11 days ago)·1m read
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Literacy skills are declining in wealthy developed countries, including the United States, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. Andreas Schleicher, the OECD Director of Education and Skills, said the best thing parents can do for children to improve overall development is read to them.

He added that reading books over 100 pages is linked to greater digital literacy, including the ability to separate fact from fiction.

The OECD data cover multiple high-income nations and track changes in adult literacy performance over time.

Key Facts

OECD literacy data
shows decline in wealthy developed countries
Andreas Schleicher
OECD Director of Education and Skills
Reading to children
best thing parents can do for development
Books over 100 pages
linked to greater digital literacy

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Parents may increase reading time with children to support literacy.

  2. 02

    Schools could adjust reading programs based on OECD findings.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count87 words
PublishedMay 18, 2026, 5:35 PM
Bias signals removed1 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1

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