|
|
|
|
|
|
Media Release
IMPROVING LITERACY AND NUMERACY AT SCHOOL
11 May 1999
In line with the Howard Government’s strategy to lift educational standards all round, increased funding to help schools measurably improve the literacy and numeracy skills of students in the early and middle years of schooling was today announced by the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp. The Government will provide an additional $131.1 million for literacy and numeracy programmes for school students from 1999-2000 and 2003-2004, making a total of almost $869 million to assist students with special needs in literacy and numeracy in the next four years to 2002-03. "The consequences of poor literacy and numeracy achievement at school include an increased likelihood of leaving school early, poor access to further education and training and a much higher risk of unemployment," said Dr Kemp. This increased funding will support two initiatives announced as part of the Government’s 1998 election education commitments:
There is a need for action now for the middle years of school because these students have missed out on acquiring these vital skills in the early years of schooling. As a result they have difficulty coping with the demands of the school curriculum. "Support for Indigenous students is a particular priority. Indigenous students have particular needs for improved literacy and numeracy. Studies show that at present some 60 – 70 per cent of Indigenous students are reading and writing below the national standards," said Dr Kemp. In March 1997, Commonwealth, State and Territory Education Ministers agreed to a National Literacy and Numeracy Goal, That every child leaving primary school should be numerate, and be able to read, write and spell at an appropriate level, to be achieved though the implementation of a National Literacy and Numeracy Plan. The Commonwealth specifically supports the achievement of the National Literacy and Numeracy Goal through the provision of funding under the Literacy and Numeracy Programme. There is the first National target agreed by Ministers under the National Goals of Schooling and reflects the increasing emphasis on accountability of learning outcomes. "The first education priority for this Government has been to provide funding support in the crucial early years of schooling. This support will continue and has been increased by $131.1 million for literacy and numeracy programmes over the next three years," said Dr Kemp. In addition to these initiatives the Government has allocated $1 million to establish Australia’s first National Literacy Week, which will take place from 6 to 10 September 1999, to coincide with International Literacy Day on 8 September. "Every State and Territory has united to support the initiative and non-government school authorities will be invited to participate in celebrations, which will also include a focus on numeracy," said Dr Kemp. The $1 million funding will be used to support a range of activities in primary schools, homes and communities involving teachers, parents and businesses. "Action is required from all governments and schools to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of students in all stages of schooling. The additional funding for literacy and numeracy provided by the Government in this Budget will help to ensure that all Australian students leave school with the literacy and numeracy skills to enable them to enter work or further training," said Dr Kemp. Media contact: Samantha Herron 0412 639 754 or 02 6277 7460
|
|||
|
contact
details | search |
archive search | publications
| site map | subscribe Any comments or queries should be sent to: wwweditor@dest.gov.au This page was
last updated on
Monday, 25 April 2005
|
