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-politics-26544436

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
School curriculum and assessment review to be led by Graham Donaldson School curriculum and assessment review to be led by Graham Donaldson
(about 1 hour later)
A review of the school curriculum and assessment in Wales has been announced by the education minister.A review of the school curriculum and assessment in Wales has been announced by the education minister.
Led by Prof Graham Donaldson of Glasgow University, it will be "comprehensive, wide ranging and independent", Huw Lewis said.Led by Prof Graham Donaldson of Glasgow University, it will be "comprehensive, wide ranging and independent", Huw Lewis said.
In January, school inspectors raised concerns about the "variable" quality of teaching and standards generally, especially in secondary schools.In January, school inspectors raised concerns about the "variable" quality of teaching and standards generally, especially in secondary schools.
The review will consider education from Foundation Phase to Key Stage Four.The review will consider education from Foundation Phase to Key Stage Four.
Mr Lewis said Prof Donaldson had been "instrumental" in a curriculum reform programme for the Scottish government and had recently reviewed teacher education in Scotland.Mr Lewis said Prof Donaldson had been "instrumental" in a curriculum reform programme for the Scottish government and had recently reviewed teacher education in Scotland.
Mr Donaldson, he said, had been asked to "articulate a clear, coherent vision for education in Wales".
'Important changes'
Schools inspectorate Estyn's annual report said: "Fewer than half of secondary schools are good or better [compared to the previous year] and the proportion that is unsatisfactory has increased from one in seven to one in four.Schools inspectorate Estyn's annual report said: "Fewer than half of secondary schools are good or better [compared to the previous year] and the proportion that is unsatisfactory has increased from one in seven to one in four.
"One in seven is excellent. Over two-thirds of secondary schools will be monitored in 'follow-up' visits.""One in seven is excellent. Over two-thirds of secondary schools will be monitored in 'follow-up' visits."
Responding to AMs questions on the report in January, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh government was now offering education a "clear way forward", but conceded that there had been a "blurring of the lines of accountability, in terms of leadership in schools [and] in terms of leadership in local education authorities" previously.Responding to AMs questions on the report in January, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh government was now offering education a "clear way forward", but conceded that there had been a "blurring of the lines of accountability, in terms of leadership in schools [and] in terms of leadership in local education authorities" previously.
On Wednesday, Mr Lewis said: "In agreeing to undertake this review, Professor Donaldson brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, as well as a personal commitment to continuous improvement and attainment of the highest standards. On Wednesday, Mr Lewis said: "Here in Wales we have already put in train important changes with the introduction of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and our tests.
"He has established a significant international profile, has lectured extensively and his former roles have included undertaking country reviews for OECD, leading the Standing International Conference of Inspectorates as President, and being instrumental in the development of the Scottish government's curriculum reform programme, Curriculum for Excellence. "Building on this, I recently consulted on proposals aimed at strengthening and supporting the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy in schools - as well as setting out my intention to introduce a wider skills framework that will ensure alignment with, and progression towards the new Welsh Baccalaureate.
"Professor Donaldson also recently completed a comprehensive review of teacher education in Scotland." "I will be publishing my response to that consultation shortly."
Mr Lewis said he would receive the report "later this year". "In agreeing to undertake this review, Professor Donaldson brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, as well as a personal commitment to continuous improvement and attainment of the highest standards."
The minister added that Prof Donaldson would be "will be at the forefront of a truly transformational programme of work and a historic step forward in Welsh education history."
Mr Lewis is due to receive the report later this year.