Alan Shatter
Question:27 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has assessed the possibility of introducing a baseline test of literacy and numeracy at first class in primary schools. [11117/98]
Written Answers. - Literary and Numeracy Tests.
The great majority of schools now administer standardised tests of literacy at each class level. An increasing number of schools are using similar tests in mathematics. The administration of these tests generally begins at first class level, six to seven year olds, and the results are used to inform teachers and parents of pupil progress in these core areas of curriculum. In addition, at each class level these test results are used for identifying pupils in need of remedial teaching and for planning programmes of remediation for them. Teachers also use these test results to assist them in the organisation of their pupils for class and group teaching. The results of these tests are also shared with parents. It is felt that this practice of testing pupils using standardised and informed tests by their class and remedial teachers best meets the needs of the pupils and their parents.
The inspectorate of my Department, in association with the Educational Research Centre, conducts regular surveys of literacy standards on pupils in fifth class in primary schools. Similar surveys are planned for mathematics. The programme of national surveys as well as our participation in international comparative studies adequately meets our information needs on standards at critical times in the education of pupils.