The new reading test for all 6 year old in England was rolled out today (16th Sept 2011) and it has caused quite a media stir. The reading test will test the ability of 5 and 6 year olds to read words and non words by using phonics – the non word aspect of the test has been heavily critisied by the UK Literacy Association.
In addition Teachers’ Unions fear that the new reading test will be yet another performance indicator placed on schools and may even be used to produce school reading ability league tables.
Up until this point the new reading test has been trialled with 300 schools but it is due to be implemented to assess the literacy levels of children from Summer 2012.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “There is no doubt we need to raise standards of reading. Only last month we learnt that one in 10 boys aged 11 can read no better than a seven-year-old.
“The new check is based on a method that is internationally proven to get results, and the evidence from the pilot is clear – thousands of six-year-olds, who would otherwise slip through the net, will get the extra reading help they need to become good readers, to flourish at secondary school and to enjoy a lifetime’s love of reading.
“This study finds that the check will be of real benefit to pupils but takes just a few minutes to carry out, is backed by most teachers and is liked by most children.”
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