WIREDGOV

On UN International Literacy Day (8/09/2014), the BIS Select Committee published a report recommending the Government launch a high-profile campaign to tackle the alarmingly low levels of adult literacy & numeracy in England.

In light of an OECD survey of 24 countries ranking England & Northern Ireland 22nd for literacy and 21st for numeracy, the Committee also calls for a more joined-up Government approach to tackling the problem, improved funding arrangements, and better assessment & support of the literacy & numeracy needs of unemployed people.

The Committee found that adults struggling most at English & maths are not getting the help & support needed.  While the Government pledges free training & tuition for any adult who wishes to study English & maths up to and including GCSE level, the Committee heard that adults with the most limited English & maths skills were not aware of the support available.

• Committee calls for national campaign on adult literacy & numeracy
• TUC welcomes MPs’ praise for unionlearn’s outstanding results & financial value
• Children who have early education get higher GCSEs
• Improving Literacy Standards could lead to a NEET solution
• Everyone should know the ‘basics’ after 10+ years of formal education
• Recruiting ex-service personnel to teach in poorly performing schools may not be such a ‘wild’ idea after all
• Time for the education system to start educating all children in the basics
• Government to transform success measures in adult further education
• Education improves the well-being of both young and old
• Pilots give communities a real say over learning