§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of pupils currently reach level four in(a) literacy and (b) numeracy standard assessment tests; and if he will make a statement. [750]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIn 1996, the percentages of 11 year old pupils achieving level 4 or above in English and mathematics in England were as follows:
Teacher assessment test Per cent. Per cent. English 60 58 Mathematics 60 54 The Secretary of State announced last week, 13 May, tough new national targets: by the time of the tests in 2002, 75 per cent. of 11 year olds would be reaching the standards expected for their age in maths, and; 80 per cent. would be reaching the expected standards in English. To support these targets he has established separate Literacy and Numeracy Task Forces to report on how best to boost standards in schools.