Jonathan O'Brien
Question:78. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the implementation of the national literacy strategy for children and young persons. [11348/14]
View answerThursday, 6 March 2014
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Written answers
Over the period since the launch of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in July 2011, there has been significant progress under many of the 41 actions and almost 180 sub-actions. Some of the major developments to date are set out as follows:
- Major changes have been made to initial teacher training including expanding the primary Bachelor of Education from 3 to 4 years, and the Professional Diploma in Education to 2 years;
- A team of literacy and numeracy advisers have been appointed to support teachers and schools in implementing the Strategy and a national programme of professional development for primary and second level teachers is continuing.
- The NCCA is continuing work on the development of an integrated language curriculum for primary schools. The consultation on the draft curriculum will begin shortly.- The NCCA is beginning work on the review of the primary mathematics curriculum.- Implementation of Junior Cycle in schools is about to begin with the new English specification being rolled out to schools in September 2014. The key skills of literacy and numeracy are being embedded in all new specifications for JC subjects and short courses as they are developed.- Primary schools have increased the time spent on literacy and numeracy and are carrying out and reporting on standardised testing in schools.- School-self evaluation has been rolled out to schools.