How do kids progress at school if they cant read?
.... about 50,000 students Australia-wide began secondary school in 2019 with bare minimum reading skills, if any.
..... total government spending on schools increased from $36.4bn in 2007-08 to $65.58bn in 2018-19
NoCookies | The Australian
www.theaustralian.com.au
Secondary students’ achievement in writing is now below the 2011 national average, according to analysis of NAPLAN trends, with boys’ performance trailing two years behind that of girls when they reach Year 9.
By that stage, more than one-in-five students do not meet the national minimum standard, posing a significant risk for their final years of formal education.
The demise has prompted a national think tank to call for the introduction of an annual English proficiency test for all students at each year level. Tougher entry requirements for university teacher training courses have also been recommended in a bid to ensure candidates’ own literacy skills are up to standard.
“Australian students’ declining achievement in NAPLAN, as well as in international test regimes such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), is of concern to parents, employer groups and tertiary institutions who question the preparedness of many school leavers for adult life and the workforce,” they write.
“Initial teacher education programs have largely dropped the ball on writing instruction, at least in terms of ensuring that all graduating teachers demonstrate sophisticated control of the rules and conventions of English. It is possible that the loss of teacher expertise in English language usage may be insurmountable.”
The report, which comes as ACARA evaluates feedback to its recently released draft curriculum before a final version is presented to education ministers later this year, is likely to compound existing concerns about the nation’s falling education standards.
“It is well past time for a forensic investigation into why they have to do this and who is responsible for the demonstrable decline in Australian literacy standards and practices.”
NoCookies | The Australian
www.theaustralian.com.au
Good post bud, this should be discussed more
I'd be surprised if there wasn't a direct correlation between the evolution of the internet & decline of literacy rates.
Back when I grew up, the only way you could source info was reading - these days you just jump on google and source that same information within seconds
In my opinion, this needs to start at home - we can't rely on government & schools to do all the heavy lifting.
.... If I had to pass on advice to a new parent, 30 mins reading a day with your child is an non-negotiable