Noble ideas we should support - Changing education

THE news that tests of numeracy and literacy in primary schools have recorded the best results in a generation must be welcomed in a meaningful, practical way. 

The best way to do this would be by supporting the methods that have realised targets set in the 2011-2020 National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. That these results have been achieved well ahead of schedule must also be recognised.

Education Minister Richard Bruton is to do this when he will publish a plan to try to eradicate disadvantage in education next year. Part of that plan will include devoting more time to the old, once-scorned Three Rs — reading, writing and arithmetic. This will cheer some of the crusty reactionaries so enthusiastic about criticising what they see as falling standards in nearly every sphere of life but it is far, far more important that these proven methods and a new emphasis will empower young children with essential life skills.

Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools — DEIS — schools recorded a significant improvement in reading, but a large proportion of students in the most disadvantaged urban schools can only read at the lowest standards. This weakness was echoed in maths. This is an education and resources issue but it may be necessary to include a cultural element in proposals to confront these life-defining limitations.

These are noble ambitions and should be supported with enthusiasm by those whose lives they could well change.