Paul McGrath
Question:84 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of moderate and severe literacy difficulties at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30485/04]
View answerThursday, 25 November 2004
Questions (87)
Written answers
Reading literacy achievement in primary schools is measured using standardised reading tests. Children's achievement scores on these tests are expressed in percentiles from 1 to 99. Those who score at or below the tenth percentile are generally regarded as having serious literacy difficulties and provided with additional supports in school, such as learning support teaching. This a rather arbitrary categorisation, as by definition, 10% of children must be at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test.
There are no reliable estimates or definitions of what constitutes a moderate literacy difficulty at primary level. At second level, the programme for international student achievement, PISA, survey of 15 year olds conducted in 2000 categorised achievement in five levels of proficiency. Those who had the lowest level of literacy achievement were categorised as below level 1. In Ireland, only 3.1% of children were in this category, well below the OECD average of 6%, while 7.9% of Irish students scored at level 1, compared to an OECD average of 11.9%. While one cannot extrapolate the findings of the PISA study to primary school children, the survey represents the best illustration available of the distribution of literacy achievement in the school system. Literacy achievement is fundamental to a sound education and I will continue to give very high priority to maintaining and improving literacy standards.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 71.