Teachers in Wales feel strongly that there is a problem with reading in schools and that the way reading is currently taught is wrong.
In an online survey of teachers, conducted by Impact Wales, 82% said there was a problem with reading in Wales.
When asked ‘Do you think we are getting the teaching of reading right in Wales?’, more than 71% said no.
Research has shown that systematic synthetic phonics is the most effective way to teach reading in the early years.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Teaching and Learning Toolkit, which summarises education interventions on cost, evidence and impact, gives it five ‘padlocks’ – its highest rating.
While more than 55% of respondents knew this, more than 20% said they did not know what reading approach was the most effective, while more than 22% said a mixed method approach.
Many of the teachers who responded to the survey commented on what more they thought should be done in Wales to ensure every learner has access to the most effective teaching for reading.
Better teacher training was brought up by 14 respondents. Comments included:
“Training provided to teachers, clear evidence-based approach.”
“Effective teaching of reading in teacher training courses. Regular CPD for existing teachers to ensure that skills are maintained.”
“More training support for teachers in all key stages. As a secondary English specialist, I was trained to teach high order reading skills but was given no formal training on the science of reading.”
Several respondents called for more consistency:
“A consistent and systematic approach to reading instruction across all primary schools to ensure that all pupils, irrespective of background, receive quality instruction to help bridge the current reading deficit.”
The use of phonics was also raised as an issue by some:
“No clear emphasis or consistency on systematic phonics in Wales, left to the choice of the school.”
Finola Wilson, Director of Impact Wales, said: “The findings of the survey back up our concerns about the way the Welsh Government expects reading to be taught in schools in Wales.
“We know there are problems with literacy in Wales – evidence from the international PISA tests and school inspectorate Estyn has repeatedly confirmed this.
“We also know that SSP is the key to teaching early years children how to read, yet despite overwhelming evidence, the Welsh Government has failed to make it the focus of its Curriculum for Wales guidance for the teaching of reading in the early years.
“There is nothing more important in education than teaching children how to read. Our survey shows that most teachers think we are getting reading wrong, and that should make very worrying reading for the Education Minister.”
Notes
The online survey ran from November 22 to December 2. Of the 63 respondents, 9.5% taught in early years settings, 63.5% in primary settings and 20.6% taught in secondary settings.