That problem, however, is about to come to light. The summit, organizers say, will rally public support to fight the problem. We're trying to make this much more than just talking heads on a stage. Complex Problem With such a complex issue it will have to be. The problem, according to experts, is four-pronged.
Some illiterate persons are high school dropouts.
Others speak English as a second language. Others are non-English speakers who are illiterate in their own language. And some were passed through school and given diplomas, despite their deficiencies. And this, officials say, has wide-ranging effects. Businesses, for instance, need skilled labor, said Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce head Joseph Bevilacqua.