Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Written Answers. - Reading Attainment Levels.

Seán Barrett

Question:

30 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education the measures, if any, she proposes to take to improve reading ability among Irish pupils in view of the findings of the national survey of English reading standards among schoolgoers released in September 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Brendan McGahon

Question:

39 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Education the measures, if any, she proposes to take to improve reading ability among Irish pupils in view of the findings of the national survey of English reading standards among schoolgoers released in September 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Paul McGrath

Question:

98 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the measures, if any, she proposes to take to improve reading ability among Irish pupils in view of the findings of the national survey of English reading standards among schoolgoers released in September 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 39 and 98 together. The survey in question was one referred to by me when addressing the Association of Remedial Teachers of Ireland conference in September, 1993. It involved a national sample of fifth class and 11-year old pupils and was carried out in 1988.

The results of this survey showed that no significant changes in average levels of reading attainment had taken place since 1980. Comparisons between the 1988 survey and a survey which was carried out in 1972 indicated that reading standards of primary cycle pupils improved by approximately eight months in terms of reading age during the intervening period.

The national surveys suggest, therefore, that there has been some improvement since the early seventies. While these are largely in line with European standards, that is not to say that I am fully satisfied with the level of improvement that has taken place.

In this regard, I would like to draw attention to the fact that I have provided for a further increase in the number of remedial teachers and for a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio in 1993. In-service courses on the identification, remediation and prevention of learning difficulties in pupils is a priority for the in-service programme for teachers.

In line with the recommendations of the 1988 survey report a further survey of 11-year-old and fifth class pupils to establish their reading attainment levels and to monitor trends in reading achievement over time was conducted in May 1993. That is a more detailed survey which is taking into account the views of parents and teachers. Data is currently being analysed and I will take these results into account when deciding further measures in this whole area.