Literacy news
Teaching unions urge rethink of phonics checks
18 Jun 2012
Leaders of three teaching unions have written to MPs urging a rethink of the phonics checks for six-year olds which are starting in schools.
In a joint briefing note to MPs the leaders of the National Union of Teachers, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Association of Head Teachers voiced their concerns about the checks. The unions said the tests are an expensive way to tell schools what they already know and will do nothing to improve children's reading.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb called the unions' position disappointing.
Mr Gibb said:
Many of their members have already told us how this quick check will allow them to identify thousands of children who need extra help to become good readers.
All year one children (five and six-year-olds) will be asked to read 20 words and 20 "made-up words" such as "zog" or "vot" to their teachers on a one-to-one basis to test whether they have a good understanding of phonics. The checks are expected to take five to 10 minutes.
See the full article at the BBC.
