Tánaiste announces plan to improve literacy and numeracy in schools
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan
A major package of proposals to improve literacy and numeracy in schools was launched today following a report that indicated some 14% of lessons in English and Maths to be unsatisfactory
The report, which focuses on the quality of teaching and learning of English and mathematics in Irish primary schools, is based on the outcomes of unannounced inspections completed in over 450 schools throughout all parts of the country between October 2009 and October 2010.
Announcing the package of proposals to improve Maths and English teaching, Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan said "sweeping reforms" to teacher education courses, increased time for literacy and numeracy in primary and post-primary schools, and a significant extension in the use of assessment and testing in reading and mathematics would be included.
The Tánaiste said that while many students were achieving well in literacy and numeracy, there was evidence of considerable room for improvement in the literacy and numeracy skills of young people.
“We cannot be complacent about the standards of literacy and numeracy in our schools,” said the Tánaiste. “The evidence suggests that we should and could be doing better in these areas that are so critical to educational attainment. To make this happen, the significant reforms I am outlining today are required.”
