Confronting illiteracy - Figure is a wake-up call

THOUGH the recession has made it necessary for very many people to return to education the news that 700 people contacted the National Adult Literacy Agency since Christmas should give us all pause for thought.

It is wonderful that a person has the courage and determination to confront deficiencies that make it hard for them to get rewarding work. They should be supported in every way possible.

It is disconcerting though that so many people are in need of such basic education; that their skill set is so inadequate in a society that imagines itself, potentially at least, a knowledge-based economy.

Though not every student is perfect, far from it, maybe we should again ask whose interests are best served by the absence of league tables for schools and any meaningful way to assess teachers or schools.