Atlanta is the nation’s eighth most literate city
Atlanta is ranked the nation's eighth most literate city. (AP Images)
I was delighted to see Atlanta’s inclusion in the top 10 list of literate cities. Atlanta is ranked the eighth most literate city in the country.
Here is the official release:
A national survey of America’s Most Literate Cities finds Washington, DC, as the nation’s most literate. This makes DC’s third appearance at the top.
The study, now in its 10th year, is conducted annually by Dr. Jack Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT.It measures a key component in America’s social health by ranking the culture and resources for reading in America’s 75 largest cities.
The top 10 cities are:
Washington, DC
Seattle, WA
Minneapolis, MN
Pittsburgh, PA
Denver, CO
St. Paul, MN
Boston, MA
Atlanta, GA
St. Louis, MO
Portland, OR
The study ranks cities based on research data for six key indicators of their citizens’ use of literacy: booksellers, educational attainment, Internet resources, library resources, newspaper circulation, and periodical publishing resources. The information is compared against population rates in each city to develop a per capita profile of the city’s literacy.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that Americans continue to move away from traditional reading materials—further away, perhaps, from what we have understood to be the basic literate behavior of sustained, engaged reading. As average income after taxes has risen more than 48 percent, 2000 to 2012, the amount Americans spend on average for reading materials (books, newspapers, and magazines, principally) has declined more than 30 percent (when e-readers are included, the decline is still 22 percent.
It’s not that Americans lack time for reading. Annual expenditures for entertainment other than reading has grown 25 percent since 2000, and annual spending on audio visual equipment such as TVs and cable service is 8 and a half times greater than that spent on reading—more than double the ratio in 2000. And as the New York Times recently reported, “more Americans belong to a fantasy sports league (10.6 million) than belong to book clubs (5.7 million)” (according to the 2013 Statistical Abstract of the U.S.).
Other measures of literacy continue to underscore this trend: among the 75 cities we examined, average weekday newspaper circulation has declined over 37 percent since 2003, and library use (as measured in volumes and circulation per capita) has stayed flat.
In 2007, Dr. Miller reported a particularly troubling trend: “While Americans are becoming more and more educated in terms of their time spent in school and their achieved education level, they are decreasing in terms of literate behaviors.”
That trend continues unabated. In 2003, the average percent of the cities’ population with a BA or better was 27.35 percent. In 2012, that rate stands at 30.3 percent.
What this strongly suggests, according to Dr. Miller, is that “the context for reading is undergoing dramatic, rapidly increasing change on a number of fronts. These are truly fascinating times for those of us who study literacy. But I am concerned about what these changes portend for our country.”
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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85 comments Add your comment
Ole Guy
February 10th, 2013
1:17 am
Private, it is well-known (at least within the 60’s teen population) that Max Baer was indeed the brains behind many of his works. On a broader scale, many fine actors’ screen/stage characters seem to diverge from their personal characters. Bing Crosby, whose many characters on 50′era screen productions depicted fine characteristics, was (as I understand through his biography) indeed, an SOB. Likewise Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, parents to Ricky and David Nelson of 60’s era fame, depicted the all American “apple pie” family when (again, my understanding through researching the actors) in fact, they were quite the opposite. The very same applies to Don Knots, of Barney Fife acclaim, whose antics (Citizens’ arrest!) cast him in the light of bafoon, when, in reality, he was very much the brain power behind the timeless success of Andy Griffith’s Sherriff Taylor.
My comments on ole Jethro reflect the character, not the man.
Mary Elizabeth
February 10th, 2013
1:31 am
@ Shar, 5:57 pm
Thank you for publicizing the work of Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta on this blog. When I first moved to Atlanta in the early 1970s, I became informed about a group called Literacy Action, Inc. here. A missionary/reading author by the name of Frank Laubach, whose work had influenced Literacy Action, had developed a special method of teaching reading to people throughout the world and his book describing that method has helped to build world literacy. Laubach’s goals were to build worldwide literacy, as well as to curtail poverty and to foster world peace in the process. His idea and motto was “Each One, Teach One.” From Wikipedia: “In 2002, this group (of Laubach’s) merged with Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. to form ProLiteracy Worldwide.” The telephone number for Literacy Action, Inc. in Atlanta is (404) 818-7323, Press 4.
We, here in Atlanta, do not need to go throughout the world in order to build world literacy. We can help to build literacy right here in Atlanta. Teaching reading through one-on-one instruction is very effective. I had, once, suggested to the pastor of a large North Atlanta area church that he consider developing a literacy progrram whereby the members of his church might team with members of a large South Atlanta area church in order to have church members volunteer to help those children in South Atlanta who may be disadvantaged, and who may need to build their reading skills to lift themselves and their families from poverty. Engaging in that kind of giving of oneself would help both the children of South Atlanta, as well as the parishioners who would give of their time to help others improve their reading skills.
I, also, continue to hope that public schools will develop vibrant adult volunteer programs to help students who are behind in their reading skills improve their literacy through having more individualized instruction offered to them from trained adult volunteers who care about them and who will foster their academic growth through one-on-one instruction. “Each One, Teach One” made manifest in the public schools, in other words.
See the link below to learn more about Dr. Frank Laubach’s worldwide literacy impact. The phrase, “Each One, Teach One” is an African-American Proverb. It originated during slavery when slaves were forbidden to learn to read. When a slave did learn to read, he or she was, then, supposed to teach another slave; thus, the proverb, “Each One, Teach One.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Laubach
Truth in Moderation
February 10th, 2013
2:29 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e-y-gpHzog&feature=endscreen
Use your superior literary skills to discover the deep truths in “Elly Starts to School.”
Jack ®
February 10th, 2013
8:14 am
Having a number of resources for reading doesn’t make a city literate. Thieves and gang members likely can read, but that doesn’t mean they’re literate.
A Conservative Voice
February 10th, 2013
8:28 am
Poppycock, pure poppycock.
I dropped my fried twinkie
February 10th, 2013
9:26 am
Peter Smagorinsky
February 9th, 2013
6:06 am
Why is reporting positive things about pubic education considered to be a “liberal” cause?
===============================================
This can’t be about public education because we know the ATL and DC public schools are terrible.
mountain man
February 10th, 2013
9:48 am
YAWN.
DeKalb Inside Out
February 10th, 2013
10:23 am
“The study ranks cities based on research data for six key indicators of their citizens’ use of literacy: booksellers, educational attainment, Internet resources, library resources, newspaper circulation, and periodical publishing resources.”
These don’t seem like very good indicators for literacy. The number of kids graduating high school that can’t read and the high school drop out rate would be better indicators.
KIM
February 10th, 2013
10:50 am
@Just Sayin…Thank you! A million times, thank you!
Private Citizen
February 10th, 2013
11:12 am
Looks like in Los Angeles the police can not read the difference in “Nissan Titan” and “Toyota Tacoma” and can not readily tell the difference between the colors “gray” and “aqua blue.” Never before thought that one reason to have arts classes in elementary school is so that when you grow up and are delivering newspapers, you do not get 35 bullet holes in your vehicle from police who can not read, can not differentiate basic colors, and appear to be completely ignorant of concepts like “procedure” and “due process.” http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/08/local/la-me-torrance-shooting-20130209 Looks like the only thing these officers have ever “read” is a restaurant menu, the kind mounted up on a wall with lights behind it.
Private Citizen
February 10th, 2013
11:21 am
KIM & Just Saying, for counterpoint, you basically demand acceptance of the status and quo and get smooth-huffy over anyone who wants better. For example, I would like better work conditions for teachers, and for school kids to have eyeglasses. But this sort of thing seems to interrupt your tranquil enjoyment of the status quo. Hey, don’t forget that not so long ago this country was built by people slogging canons pulled by horses up and down mountains, and by men with painful wooden teeth crossing icy rivers paddling by hand.
Private Citizen
February 10th, 2013
11:27 am
KIM & Just Sayin, When was the last time you built a railroad? PS Enjoy your nice electricity, made by burning coal from people who go underground to dig it out for you. When was the last time you wore a respirator while working? Let me guess, your greatest difficulty in life is trying to avoid a cart collision inside the crowded farmer’s market, choosing between the orchids, the pastries, and the rich coffee beans grown by human animals in the mountains of Costa Rica just for you.
PS Hey, can we get some of that feel-good news and linking?? I need a media quaalude for my periodic swooon.
Bernie
February 10th, 2013
1:49 pm
It would be Nice to see that same trend transcend to Voting for responsible political and Leaders that make decisions about educating “ALL” of georgia’s children.
Truth in Moderation
February 10th, 2013
4:11 pm
The Beverly Hillbillies and bankers exercise their 2nd Amendment rights….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPNOcQ30OQU
A great literary commentary.
bootney farnsworth
February 10th, 2013
4:17 pm
the more I think about this, the more I think its so much hooey
with three systems in free fall (APS, DCSS, and Clayton), what they are claiming is impossible under anything less than the most narrowly defined definitions.
gdfo
February 10th, 2013
5:03 pm
No matter what the published report claims, literacy by itself proves Nothing. Sometimes it is best to wait while the knee-jerkers get their posts out.
Not to long ago I had opportunity to be an Interviewer for a job applicant along with another manager. The applicants writing was barely legible, there were mis-spellings on the application. The applicant could barely speak American english without having to use slang and all of his speach was partially mumbled.
Yes, students at Colleges and Universities fair much better, you EXPECT them to be somewhat more literate.
For me, this report means less than a bucket of warm beer.
Functional literacy is more important than how many libraries a City has
catlady
February 10th, 2013
5:55 pm
While I welcome good news, I think the methodology of this study is suspect. Opportunities for literacy? Yes. But actual functional literacy for the majority of inhabitants? Not so much. Maybe it’s just the name that is wrong.
It does no good to have libraries that are open limited hours, for example. And that Atlanta has lots of publishing companies comes at no surprise. Educational attainment for the majority of Atlanta residents, especially multi-generational life-long citizens, might also be… well, not so much.
Of the rest of the list, I wonder a bit about St. Louis. But Atlanta is the most suspect for questionable “literacy.” IMHO
Ed
February 10th, 2013
6:59 pm
It appears that Dr. Miller’s approach is viable for measuring a potential literacy rate but not overall literacy. I would like to know how his studies compare to what is on file concerning similiar studies conducted by the US Department of Education.
Prof
February 10th, 2013
7:07 pm
@ Catlady. Greater St. Louis has more than a dozen universities and colleges, among them the excellent research universities of St. Louis University (Jesuit and the oldest University west of the Mississippi River), Washington University, U. Missouri-St. Louis, and Webster University.
don
February 10th, 2013
7:56 pm
The Metro maybe. If it was done by State, we would be at the bottom.
Truth in Moderation
February 10th, 2013
10:12 pm
A renowned brain surgeon speaks out on literacy…..to the White House. MUST SEE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyyHegP255g
Check out his scholarship fund:
http://carsonscholars.org
@Robert
February 11th, 2013
6:13 am
It is not about education in the city, it’s basically about how many college educated persons move in. All you have to do is watch the “mom gets tased in ATL” to know where some of GA educated citizens turn out.
catlady
February 11th, 2013
6:47 am
Prof: No doubt, but it also have legions of very poor residents, and for them I don’t think the universities matter.
bootney farnsworth
February 11th, 2013
8:19 am
criteria for literacy
-read and comprehend at at least an 8th grade level.
-be able to write at an 8th grade level, including correct usage of things like pronouns, subject/verb agreements, minimal spelling errors, and (pet peev, here) an understanding of the use of paragraphs.
-willingness to read for more than required for school
-steady activity (six or more per year) activity at a library or bookstore: videos do not count.
AtlSteve
February 11th, 2013
9:07 am
Using this criteria being presented, couldn’t you also say Detriot has the most new cars per capita of any city in the U.S.A.
bootney farnsworth
February 11th, 2013
9:12 am
side note #1: the advent of ‘net communication has had a major negative impact on literacy. spelling, grammer, puncuation – all gone to hell
bootney farnsworth
February 11th, 2013
9:13 am
side note #2: can anyone tell me why gas has gone up nearly .50 since the election/December?
Alphare
February 11th, 2013
9:30 am
If some one really gives a good effort, it’s hard to be illiterate with English, unless you are a non-native speaker.
English is a phonetic language, you pretty much write what you speak.
beteachin
February 11th, 2013
9:56 am
They had to have a Southern city on the list. End of story.
jarvis
February 11th, 2013
2:55 pm
@bootney, Muliple refineries have been taken off line for maintenance and Summer preperation. Hopefully we’ll see some relief soon as they come back on line. Similiar trend (but not quite as expensive) happened last year.
I think we actually saw a little relief in May or June if memory serves.
my2cents
February 11th, 2013
11:10 pm
I’ll have to read the source – something about “As average income after taxes has risen more than 48 percent, 2000 to 2012…” does not seem right. It sure has NOT risen like that in my household. I need to understand what and who is being measured if the report is being based on numbers like that.
Ole Guy
February 11th, 2013
11:51 pm
Yep, Atlanta’s libraries are teeming with such literary giants as Dick and Jane (…see Spot run…funny funny Spot), and, alongside the dusty collection of fine Encyclopedia Brits, a complete collection of comic books featuring such giants as Elmer Fudd, Donald Duck, and the ever-popular (among the clowns under the Dome) Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.
In the never-ending quest, of Atlanta’s leadership, at self-promotion, legislators have introduced a bill which will cement Atlanta, and Georgia, as numero uno, in the entire world…in literacy
Ole Guy
February 11th, 2013
11:53 pm
Alphare, izatso?
HS Math Teacher
February 12th, 2013
6:15 am
SO I’VE READ!
Pride and Joy
February 12th, 2013
7:03 am
kudos to bootney who said it best — it bears repeating “the more I think about this, the more I think its so much hooey
with three systems in free fall (APS, DCSS, and Clayton), what they are claiming is impossible under anything less than the most narrowly defined definitions.”
Thirty-three percent of all GA kids DO NOT graduate from high school…and we’re celebrating about being literate?
Insane.