Officials plan to boost adult and immigrant education programs in the Bronx and state after adult New Yorkers fell below the national average for basic English literacy skills. The national assessment of adult literacy found New Yorkers ages 25 to 39 are struggling with simple tasks such as reading a newspaper or filling out a job application. Math skills, however, rank about the same as the national average. The state has about 250 English literacy programs, serving more than 150,000 adults. Education officials say more adults are entering those programs. The New York State Department of Education spends about $100 million on literacy programs and is seeking more funding this year.

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