Literacy news
Two-thirds 'fail new primary phonics reading check'
8 Dec 2011
The test-run of a new primary school reading check suggests two-thirds of pupils are likely to fail it when it is introduced in England next year.
Government statistics show just 32% of the six-year-olds in 300 schools who took the test last summer passed it.
The test is controversial because it contains non-words as well as real words. This is to ensure that pupils are using synthetic phonics to decode words.
Most schools use phonic methods to teach children to read. But the Department for Education says only 27% uses phonics systematically.
Critics of the test say it is designed to check children's progress in using a specific reading system rather than their reading itself.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said:
We need to face up to the uncomfortable truth that, despite the hard work of teachers, not enough of our children are able to read to a high enough standard.
We have to take account of our place internationally and listen to business leaders concerned about many school leavers' literacy.
He added that the levels primary school children are expected to reach should not be the limits of ambition, rather they should be considered the minimum expected.
See the full article at the BBC.
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