21 Sep 2022

Low literacy, numeracy in teens foreshadows poor life outcomes

From Morning Report, 8:45 am on 21 September 2022

A research paper links under-performance in reading and maths among 15-year-olds with worse outcomes later in life.

The paper shows that those with low literacy and numeracy skills in their teens are likely to have lower earnings and higher rates of hospitalisation than more skilled students.

Kid boy sleeping with a textbook over his head and holding a sign with the word Help

Photo: 123RF

New Zealand Work Research Insitute director Gail Pacheco spoke to Guyon Espiner.