Literacy

To me, a useful definition of literacy goes beyond the capability to read and write.  When someone says that they are 'computer literate' they are expressing that they know how to use the functions of computers with ease and to their benefit, they aren't just saying that they know what a computers' tools are.  There are a lot of students who know how to read and write in a basic sense but who still struggle greatly.  Some have difficulty thinking abstractly about a text, or even interpreting written information correctly.  Some students who now how to write have no confidence that they can convey meaning in their own writing.  I define literacy as not only being able to read and write, but to be able to grasp the intended meaning of a text and to be able to write with intent and control.  I don't mean that someone who is literate needs to be able to be able to apply complex literary criticisms, but they should be able to at least follow a basic text and take something away from it.
I have experienced moments with coworkers where it seemed as though a text was read and nothing was gleaned from it.  For instance, an instructional company wide email in which an employee cannot discern what is important and what actions need to be taken after receiving it.  It is as though they lack the patience or confidence to interpret the directions for themselves without needing to ask questions.  I don't mean to say that I think this person is illiterate, as this kind of material or use of is more complex than what I am thinking for my definition, but I do think that it could demonstrate that they never received proper instruction on how to do this kind of reading.
I guess I am taking this blog assignment and turning it into creating a definition of literacy/illiteracy that I want to have in mind for my own classroom.  I think it could be a definition that can change for the individual, especially as they age.  Literacy can be something one can always improve upon and develop.  As a high school English teacher I want students to be able to read a text and understand what it is saying, to be able to approach a text from different perspectives, and to keep an open mind and allow for abstract thought.  I want them to be able to write with purpose and authority.  As a teacher I want to allow the avenues for these abilities to flourish--I want to help students gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities and to encourage them to keep an open mind when doing both.  I don't want my students to go to college or to work and feel afraid of the written word.  I know that this definition is completely self-derived and simply what I want it to be, but I want a definition that can be used as a tool for myself when setting goals for my students.