Letter: The phonics success
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Far from being embarrassed, as your article "New reading plan `staggeringly good' " (report, 7 December) suggests, the Government is pleased that the new literacy hour is becoming a part of school days across England.
The emphasis on phonics, spelling and grammar in the National Literacy Strategy draws on research in over 500 schools where new evidence shows it to be effective. It represents an enormous cultural shift after some 30 years in which far too many teachers and schools dismissed the value of phonics.
We welcome research into effective use of phonics, although the research you quote was based on just eight schools. There is a range of phonics schemes which are entirely consistent with the National Literacy Strategy, and schools are free to choose among them. Where we find good ways of teaching phonics, of course we encourage them.
Coming on top of the pounds 2,000 we have provided for books for every school in the country, pounds 54m for the National Literacy Strategy means that all schools will be able to successfully implement the strategy, which has been shown to work.
ESTELLE MORRIS
Schools Standards Minister
Department for Education and Employment
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments