Current Issues in UK Literacy
Where are we now? A A changing and challenging world. Different Different cultures. Long Long Tail of our Education System. Too Too many ‘excluded’. A A confused qualifications system. Too Too much spin not enough objective facts.
Myths Millions Millions leave primary schools illiterate. leave secondary schools illiterate. of adults are illiterate. Qualifications Qualifications = Knowledge = Skills.
Scale of Need
Other Countries
Minimum Levels of Basic Skills
Self Assessment
Literacy and Education Level
Confused? ‘1.4 ‘1.4 million learners that have ‘now achieved a first nationally recognised qualification in literacy and numeracy’. [Nov 2006] ‘1,619,000 ‘1,619,000 learners that have gained a Skills for Life qualification for the first time.’ [Feb 2007] ‘2,221,900 ‘2,221,900 learning aims achieved between 2000 and 2006.’ [April 2007] ‘1,759,000 ‘1,759,000 adults have now improved their skills and gained a qualification via the Skills for Life strategy’. [July 2007]
What to do? Re-consider Re-consider the target for Skills for Life? Use Use population surveys to assess progress. Focus Focus on those with poorest basic skills. Review Review equivalence. Independent Independent verification of statistics.
Current Issues in UK Literacy