On October 8th, the OECD published its first results of the Survey of Adult Skills, implemented in 24 countries. The survey gives an evidence base to the understanding that people with lower skills proficiency not only do more poorly in economic terms, but also tend to have poorer health, lower civic engagement and less trust.
According to the publication, only Japan and Finland score better than the Netherlands in literate proficiency. In addition, the Netherlands ranks among the top 5 in the combination of above-average performance with equity. But the Netherlands are not performing that well in integrating people from diverse backgrounds. Difference in literacy are increasing, more strongly than elsewhere.
Report available through kees.kouwenaar@vu.nl.