World Bank Document

Box 1. Literacy Performance Scale 1–5

Level 1: Individuals can answer questions from familiar con-

texts where all relevant information is present, questions clearly

defined. Able to identify information, carry out routine proce-

dures in explicit situations. Can perform obvious actions from

the given stimuli.

Level 2: Individuals can interpret and recognize situations of

direct inference. Can extract relevant information, employ basic

procedures and are capable of direct reasoning. Can make

literal interpretations of the results.

Level 3: Individuals can execute clearly described procedures,

including sequential decisionmaking. Can select and apply sim-

ple problem-solving strategies. Can use representations based

on different sources. Can develop short communications.

Level 4: Individuals can work with explicit models for complex

concrete situations which involve making assumptions. Can se-

lect and integrate different representations with real world situa-

tions. Can utilize their well-developed reasoning skills to com-

municate explanations.

Level 5: Individuals can conceptualize and use information

based on their investigations and models (advanced thinking

and reasoning). Can apply insight to novel situations. Can for-

mulate and precisely communicate their actions and reflections

to the original situation.

Table 1 summarizes some of the findings.
The generally low level of competence in literacy across the world is
not adequate for individuals who want to—and need to—function
satisfactorily in a globalized world that is undergoing exponential
growth in new knowledge and technologies and facing complex so-
cioeconomic conditions and changes in the environment. Low liter-
acy is also related to lower life expectancy, poorer health, and poverty.

Scientific Underpinnings of the Importance of ECD in a Global World 65