Govt planning literacy tests for primary school pupils

The Government is reportedly planning to make all first- and sixth-class primary school students undergo national literacy and numeracy tests.

Reports this morning said Education Minister Noel Dempsey would announce details of the plans later today.

The reports said pupils would also face a third literacy and numeracy test before they finished school, but the point at which the test should be taken had not yet been decided.

The test results will reportedly be used by the Government to assess literacy and numeracy levels and to identify schools that need special attention or resources.

They will also be available to parents, who can then compare their children’s results with national standards.