Literacy news
Welsh Government launches National Literacy Programme
17 May 2012
The National Literacy Programme sets out what the Welsh government will do to improve results and change the way literacy is thought about in schools. The ambition is for Wales to be among the top 20 nations in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by 2015. Wales currently lags behind England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in PISA's league.
The National Literacy Programme will set national standards for teachers and pupils to work towards, to ensure a consistent approach to reading and writing across Wales. The programme includes National Reading Tests for five to 14-year-olds, due to be introduced in May 2013.
The document claims many teachers do not see themselves as teachers of literacy, and as a result, will "need upskilling". There will be more training available for current and newly qualified staff and best practice will be shared.
Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:
Nothing is more important than ensuring all of our young people have the skills they need to read, write and communicate. There are many excellent examples of teaching and learning in literacy across Wales. What we must do is ensure that all learners benefit from excellent teaching of literacy and develop the skills that are so vital to their future success. The National Literacy Programme will introduce greater consistency and clarity into the way we track pupils' progress while also providing the support, challenge and accountability needed in our schools.
Read the full story at the BBC or read more about the National Literacy Programme.
