ECaR scheme 'has positive impact on pupil attainment'

The Every Child a Reader (ECaR) has been successful in helping to improve attainment levels in literacy.

Research carried out by the Department for Education, shows that ECaR improved reading levels at key stage one by between two and six per cent.

The initiative also helped to improve writing standards, it was found.

"These findings match the positive views of the interventions held by the staff involved in delivery," the report noted.

"If the progress these children make is sustained throughout school, the long-term benefits of ECaR would be expected to exceed the costs."

Julia Douetil, from the European Centre for Reading Recovery at the Institute of Education in London, welcomed the news and said the research shows that the programme has had a significant impact on children who might otherwise fall behind.

Speaking earlier this month, Nick Seaton, secretary of the Campaign for Real Education, said children in Britain are lagging behind pupils in other developed countries where English and maths are concerned.

Posted by Dolcie Thacker
 

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