National Assessment of Adult Literacy

These reports examined the ability of adults to read and understand everyday items, such as prescription drug labels and newspaper articles. For the locally-focused report, we put together state-specific data packages for reporters which were also used for state literacy directors. We used list serves and professional organization outreach to spread the word.

Hager Sharp worked closely with top officials at NCES to develop messages to clearly explain the data, as well as presentations for stakeholders. We organized a press conference for the national report, and a conference call for the local data. Both releases competed with other breaking news or education stories - but as a result of our aggressive outreach and the value of the data, both reports generated widespread media coverage, including front page stories, education trade media and TV and radio reports on the national report in 2005, and, in 2008, the front page of USA Today, and hundreds of local newspaper and radio stories. Hager Sharp has also worked with members of the online community to garner mentions in prominent education online outlets.