Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, and the rest of the British wannabes (and I use that word as a description, not an insult) frequently cite that when compared to Americans, the British receive a far superior education. However, one BBC article might contradict their precious anti-American sentiment.
Improving Literacy in Great Britain
An Ofsted report revealed that despite a 'marked improvement' in English standards, many pupils are leaving primary school without basic skills in reading and writing.
A fifth of 11 -year -old pupils, particularly boys still fail to reach to expected level for English and very few pupils were reading for pleasure.
Sounds strangely like studies conducted in Gwynie's country of origin.
The article was an open thread, with commenters giving suggestions for improving literacy in the UK. The following comments put to ease my fear that Paltrow may have actually been right.
As a secondary school teacher, I encounter many children on a daily basis with literacy problems. A teacher can only do so much. Responsibility also lies with the parents. Parents need to support their own children by encouraging them to read at home instead of watching TV, playing Ps2, etc. I am amazed at times on receipt of letters from some parents who themselves have no grasp of basic literacy skills. What hope have their children? Rubina, London
To improve literacy why not try actually teaching the kids instead of running schools like some extended feel-good nursery. Concepts of success and failure do not harm children. Children improve by experiencing both. Derek S, UK
I teach 16-19 year olds in a college and remain appalled at the lack of basic English Language skills our students arrive with despite being qualified enough to do advanced courses. It doesn't help that our exam boards won't let us penalise for bad literacy. the worst are errors when a word may sound the same as another, such as using 'no' for 'know' and 'way' for 'weigh'. Andrew, Shropshire
So, maybe, just maybe, those snobby Londoners Gwyneth hangs out with are the last of a dying remnant able to read, write and spell in her new favorite country.
Read the article and the rest of the comments here.
Like, I don't no what the big deel is. Wen yur typing with 2 thumbs u don't have time for junk like speling and gramr LOL. or if u have a reely good idea u need to IM, then its mor importnt to IM then spel, OK? :-}
Posted by: MarcV at March 28, 2006 09:36 AMthat's why I'm never going to England, I don't wanna have to learn a Foreign language.
Posted by: MacStansbury at March 28, 2006 10:55 AM
