§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research has been undertaken on behalf of his Department on methods of teaching spelling.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSpelling is a vital skill for pupils to learn, but I do not prescribe the methods by which it is taught. My Department has not commissioned research on the subject.
§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice has been given by his Department or by the Council for the Accreditation of Teachers Education to teacher trainees on methods of teaching spelling.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNone. I expect teacher training institutions to introduce their students to a broad range of sensible methods.
§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science in what manner the information and experience of the adult literary and basic skills unit as to the teaching of spelling has been communicated by his Department to teacher trainees.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe unit publishes a range of materials, which are available to all, including teacher trainers and student teachers. But the unit's responsibility and expertise relates to the teaching of adults rather than children.