Pupils fall behind in literacy
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.Standards of literacy and English in schools have stalled and the country is falling behind other leading nations, the Chief Inspector of Schools in England is due to warn today.
Sir Michael Wilshaw, claims one in five pupils, about 100,000, do not achieve the expected literacy levels by the end of primary school, rising to one in three from disadvantaged backgrounds. One in seven adults also lack basic literacy skills.
But teaching unions argued progress had been made in English and Sir Michael was "picking and choosing information to support a predetermined view".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments