About the National Institute for Literacy

Who We Are

Since its creation in 1991, the National Institute for Literacy has served as a catalyst for improving opportunities for adults, youth, and children to thrive in a progressively literate world. At the Institute, literacy is broadly viewed as more than just an individual's ability to read. Literacy is an individual's ability to read, write, speak in English, compute, and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family, and in society. The Institute, a federal agency, was established by the National Literacy Act and reauthorized in 1988 by the Workforce Investment Act.

Our mission is to develop literacy as a national asset, using knowledge, research, and practice, and working in collaboration with the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, and with other partners. The Institute is also authorized under the No Child Left Behind law to help children, youth, and adults learn to read by supporting and disseminating evidence-based reading research. An Advisory Board appointed by the president guides the operations of the Institute. As a national literacy resource, the Institute's program officers contribute to improving literacy across the lifespan.

What We Do

• Disseminate high-quality information and resources grounded in rigorous research
• Translate scientifically based research into guidance and resources with practical applications for parents and educators
• Identify high-performing programs, practices, and policies that produce desirable outcomes
• Support research on how literacy is acquired
• Serve as a vital hub for the literacy field, offering access to a centralized, comprehensive, Internet-based database of adult education/literacy materials
• As a national literacy resource, the Institute makes the findings of scientifically based reading research and instruction available to families, administrators, and educators of learners across the lifespan through its publications.

Contact Us

The National Institute for Literacy, 1775 I Street, NW, Suite 730,Washington, DC 20006, Phone: (202) 233-2025; Fax: (202) 233-2050; Website: http://www.nifl.gov. For publications contact EDPUBS at 1-877-433-7827 (toll free).

Last updated: Sunday, 26-Jul-2009 18:49:35 EDT