Equal Literacy
Thursday, December 09, 2004
It is pleasing to read that Australia compares well with other countries on numeracy and literacy. I know a great many highly accomplished young Australians: these must boost the average result.
But the problem with our schooling system is the lack of equal opportunity. The substantial percentage of children whose literacy is inadequate for secondary schooling come from primary schools in poorer suburbs and regions.
These children, from less literacy homes, will benefit from a phonic approach to literacy, learning how to decipher words from letters and letter-patterns. With this foundation, they can read words they have never seen or heard at home.
Philip O'Carroll