IALS 1996
ALL 2006 and IALS 1996, Information, Publications and International Data
For the ALL and IALS cycles, publications and frequently asked questions please refer to 'Related Pages' inset box. For links to international publications, data and information on related websites please refer to the 'Where to find out More' inset box.
You will find the IALS 1996 publication and specific international publications of particular interest at the bottom of this page.
IALS Key Facts
When: 1996
Who: 4,223 adults 16-65 years old.
What: Prose literacy, document numeracy and quantitative literacy.
Where: 24 countries or regions participated in IALS between 1994 and 1998.
Key Findings
New Zealand had a similar distribution of literacy skills within its adult population as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Approximately one in five adult New Zealanders was operating at a highly effective level of literacy. Students and employed people had higher levels of literacy than the unemployed and the retired. The top 20% of income earners had the highest levels of literacy. Increased retention at senior secondary school was associated with improving literacy levels.
IALS 1996 Publication
The information in this report provides a summary of the preliminary findings from a survey of adult literacy in New Zealand. The survey was conducted in New Zealand in March 1996, as part of a series of international surveys known as the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). Twenty-four countries participated in IALS.
