NALS was wrong

From: Sandra Smith (sandras@u.washington.edu)
Date: Mon Jul 23 2001 - 13:01:21 EDT


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From: "Sandra Smith" <sandras@u.washington.edu>
To: "Nifl-health" <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: NALS was wrong
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 10:01:21 -0700
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The Washington Post reported July 16 that analysis of NALS was wrong --
based on overly strict statistical assumptions, easily misinterpreted, and
widely misunderstood. The article refers to 20% reported "illiterate"  --
perhaps they refer to 20% in Level 1, another misread since the original
reports emphasize these folks are not illiterate. In any case, that 20%
figure is revised down to 5%. How does this affect thinking,  the validity
of published reports, and future work re literacy and health literacy?  Here
is the article on line.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6155-2001Jul16.html SS
Sandra Smith, MPH, CHES
Health Education Specialist
University of Washington
Center for Health Ed.& Research
Clinical Instructor,Health Services
Editor,Beginnings: A Practical Guide through Pregnancy
& Beginnings Parent's Guide
Editor, http://www.PrenatalEd.com
Fellow, National Center for Infants, Toddlers & Children
Mailing Address:
2821 2nd Ave #1601
Seattle WA 98121
206-441-7046
FAX 728-1926
sandras@u.washington.edu



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