Targets on literacy miss the mark

23rd March 2012, 12:00am

Share

Targets on literacy miss the mark

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/targets-literacy-miss-mark-2

Having read the speech by the chief inspector of schools to launch the Ofsted report Moving English Forward (“Ofsted bids to toughen up primary literacy targets”, 16 March), I am puzzled. There is a mismatch between the two. The 10-point action plan from the chief inspector is not the same as the recommendations in the report. Did Sir Michael Wilshaw read it?

In terms of teaching phonics, the report states that “virtually all schools were following the government’s recommendations” and “strengths of teaching far outweighed weaknesses”. But in the speech, the spotlight is on the shortcomings of initial teacher training institutions in phonics teaching. Presumably, the phonics lessons praised in the report are being taught by teachers trained in these institutions.

The best bits discuss what Ofsted calls “myths” about what makes a good lesson. Anyone teaching over the past 15 years can take a look to have a good laugh (or cry). Sir Michael, these myths have not arisen out of thin air. They formed the basis of national training from national strategies. And Ofsted policed them.

Tony Martin, Ambleside, Cumbria.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Nothing found
Recent
Most read
Most shared