This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21222006

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
NUT strike threat over Wales teaching standards plans NUT strike threat over Wales teaching standards plans
(about 2 hours later)
One of Wales' largest teaching unions has threatened to strike over the Welsh government's new plans to improve literacy and numeracy standards. One of Wales' biggest teaching unions has threatened to strike over the Welsh government's new plans to improve literacy and numeracy standards.
NUT Cymru says there has not been enough discussion between government and teachers over the so-called Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF).NUT Cymru says there has not been enough discussion between government and teachers over the so-called Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF).
Education Minister Leighton Andrews is due to unveil plans for national standards later on Monday. Education Minister Leighton Andrews unveiled plans to introduce national standards on Monday.
The Welsh government disputes claims that the plans will increase workloads.The Welsh government disputes claims that the plans will increase workloads.
Literacy and numeracy levels in Wales have been a concern for the Welsh government for a number of years.Literacy and numeracy levels in Wales have been a concern for the Welsh government for a number of years.
Last year, Wales lagged behind England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa).Last year, Wales lagged behind England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa).
Mr Andrews is expected to outline his plans to set national standards including annual reading tests for children from seven to 14 years old and more than £6m for a schools support programme. Mr Andrews outlined plans to set national standards, including annual reading tests for children from seven to 14 years old and more than £6m for a schools support programme.
Most schools in Wales currently use reading tests and many use some form of maths or numeracy testing.Most schools in Wales currently use reading tests and many use some form of maths or numeracy testing.
The Welsh government aims to introduce a consistent approach to testing and provide a more accurate reflection of pupils' abilities and progress. However, the Welsh government wants a consistent approach.
'Benefits' 'Achievement'
It disputes the NUT's claim that the new plans will increase workloads.It disputes the NUT's claim that the new plans will increase workloads.
From September, improving literacy and numeracy will have to be part of all subjects - not just English, Welsh and Maths - from ages five to 14.
Schools will have one academic year to prepare before a legal requirement for seven to 14-year-olds to undergo formal tests is introduced in September 2014.
Data from the tests will be collected and analysed nationally with the intention that teachers get a clear indication of how children are progressing.
The Welsh government says it is setting down expectations which "seek to raise the bar in some instances". The LNF sets out levels of achievement that pupils are expected to reach in reading, writing and maths skills.
The extra funding will pay for a support programme that gives schools specialist help to make the changes. Online training material is available for teachers.
Mr Andrews said: "The National Literacy and Numeracy Framework sets clear, realistic and achievable expectations for the teaching of literacy and numeracy and will be a critical tool in driving up standards across the board.
"The LNF will help school leaders and managers to embed literacy and numeracy across all subjects in the curriculum and will support all teachers to become teachers of literacy and numeracy.
"They will be assisted in implementing the LNF by a comprehensive national support programme that is tailored to address the needs of individual schools, learners and teachers."
NUT Cymru secretary David Evans said the union supports the improvement in education, but it wants to discuss the implications for teachers.
As a last resort, the union has told BBC Wales its 13,000 members in Wales would be willing to strike unless their concerns are addressed.As a last resort, the union has told BBC Wales its 13,000 members in Wales would be willing to strike unless their concerns are addressed.
David Reynolds, professor of educational effectiveness at the University of Southampton, said the benefits out-weighed negatives with the new framework.
Mr Reynolds, a senior policy advisor to the Department for Education and Skills, made his comments while taking part in a debate with NUT Cymru secretary David Evans on BBC Radio Wales.
"Frankly what I think is the pity here is that David Evans is neglecting the money, the support, the clear statements about what Welsh children are able to achieve in English and mathematics," said Mr Reynolds.
Mr Evans said: "We are not opposed to ensuring that our children get the best education as they deserve and require.Mr Evans said: "We are not opposed to ensuring that our children get the best education as they deserve and require.
"What we want is an opportunity to sit down with the Welsh government... to have a proper discussion with regards to the implications members are going to face as a result of it.""What we want is an opportunity to sit down with the Welsh government... to have a proper discussion with regards to the implications members are going to face as a result of it."
David Reynolds, professor of educational effectiveness at the University of Southampton, said the benefits out-weighed negatives with the new framework.
Mr Reynolds, a senior policy advisor to the Department for Education and Skills, said: "Frankly what I think is the pity here is that David Evans is neglecting the money, the support, the clear statements about what Welsh children are able to achieve in English and mathematics.".
David Pedwell, executive headteacher of Bryn Celyn and Oakfield Primary Schools in Cardiff, told BBC Radio Wales that "no-one disputes the fact that we need to improve standards".David Pedwell, executive headteacher of Bryn Celyn and Oakfield Primary Schools in Cardiff, told BBC Radio Wales that "no-one disputes the fact that we need to improve standards".
But he said the feeling was that there was a need for greater discussion to ensure pupils' are assessed accurately as any new framework will not necessarily be "comparing like with like".But he said the feeling was that there was a need for greater discussion to ensure pupils' are assessed accurately as any new framework will not necessarily be "comparing like with like".
"There is a danger here a lot of children will feel that they have under achieved from these tests and that is not going to motivate pupils or teachers for that matter," he said."There is a danger here a lot of children will feel that they have under achieved from these tests and that is not going to motivate pupils or teachers for that matter," he said.