The right to literacy is an inherent part of the right to an education. All adult Australians, regardless of their employment or social status, should be supported to fully develop their language, literacy and numeracy skills. Modern workplaces require workers with high levels of language, literacy and numeracy, and the capacity to problem solve in technology-rich environments. Today Australians need proficiency in complex modes of communication and high levels of digital literacy. In order to compete in the global knowledge-based economy and to maintain the level of prosperity and social cohesion that Australians need and expect, the language, literacy and numeracy levels of the adult population must be at the forefront of public policy.

Increasingly, numeracy skills are required for postsecondary success, entry into the workforce, and earning potential. Basic numeracy is critical also to fulfilling family responsibilities, improving health outcomes, and contributing to the community. Yet, nationally, adults regularly perform at the lowest levels in math competency.

Our Mission. The Adult Numeracy Network is a community dedicated to quality mathematics instruction at the adult level. We support each other, we encourage collaboration and leadership, and we influence policy and practice in adult math instruction. Our members include teachers, tutors, researchers, administrators, and professional developers working in adult basic education ABE , adult numeracy, high school equivalency, community colleges, developmental mathematics, and family numeracy.