A Fresh Look at Literacy in Lubbock

At Literacy Lubbock, our mission is to make education and literacy accessible to everyone. As we continue our mission, it's important to understand what literacy looks like here in our community. More recent data from the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, a national assessment conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), indicate that roughly one in every four adults is at risk of challenges with everyday reading tasks. This updated view helps us understand how we can better meet our communities' needs and ensure that no one is left behind.

What is the PIAAC Skills Map?

The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) is a significant study that looks at how well adults can use reading and text-based information in everyday life. It breaks literacy into three levels:

• Level 1: Adults considered at risk for difficulties using or understanding print materials.

• Level 2: Adults nearing proficiency but still struggling with more complex reading tasks.

• Level 3: Adults considered proficient—comfortable working with information and ideas in written form.

Compared to the 2003 NCES estimate that placed Lubbock County’s illiteracy rate at 13%, this new tool delivers a far more precise and localized understanding of literacy. By presenting literacy on a nuanced scale, it highlights that the challenge is broader than previously recognized—strengthening Literacy Lubbock’s resolve to use the latest data to drive lasting community impact.

A Literacy Snapshot of Lubbock

Using the PIAAC Skills Map (which uses data from 2013–2017), here's what literacy looks like in Lubbock County:

• Level 1: ~26% of adults

• Level 2: ~32% of adults

• Level 3: ~43% of adults

That means roughly 1 in 4 adults in Lubbock are at risk for struggles with everyday reading tasks—things like filling out forms, understanding instructions, or reading a news article with confidence. (All statistics provided by 

A Closer Look: Adults Without a High School Diploma or GED

The data also allows us to see literacy levels based on education. For adults in Lubbock who don't have a high school diploma or GED, the challenge is even greater:

• Level 1: ~57%

• Level 2: ~34%

• Level 3: ~9%

This highlights why programs like GED Test Prep are so essential. A GED doesn't just open doors—it builds the reading and comprehension skills people need for work, family, and everyday life.

How Literacy Lubbock Is Helping

Our mission is simple: to make literacy and education available and accessible to all. That's why we offer free programs and one-on-one support to meet adults where they are:

• GED Test Preparation

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

Whether you're looking to grow your own skills or help someone else grow theirs, Literacy Lubbock is here to help.

Why We're Updating the Numbers

You might have heard the old statistic that "13% of Lubbock adults can't read." That figure dates back to 2003, and a lot has changed since then. The PIAAC Skills Map provides a more accurate, up-to-date picture of literacy in our community.

Let's Keep Learning, Together

If you or someone you know could use help with reading or getting a GED, or if you're interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, we'd love to meet you. Together, we can make Lubbock a place where everyone has access to literacy and the opportunities that come with it.