Standardised tests on horizon for primary maths and reading

Tests of children’s reading and maths ability are being overhauled in response to the early success of a strategy to improve standards.

New literacy teaching methods will be a focus of a revised plan to combat educational disadvantage which Education Minister Richard Bruton will publish later this year.

National assessments of second-class and sixth-class pupils at 150 primary schools two years ago revealed all targets, set in the 2011-2020 National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy for primary level, had already been reached. As well as spending more time on literacy and numeracy, teachers must focus on integrating them into how all subjects are taught.