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If reading is weak all language markers are weak. Teaching reading means the teacher needs to BE a reader, understand the importance of vocabulary extension and how sentences are constructed. Many teachers fall below the levels of need. Also it is one of the biggest preparation subject for teachers and, apart from mathematics, the one that requires most understanding of the process of learning and monitoring...it needs to be taught as closely as possible in small groups or one to one. It is not taught just by osmosis, which is what they seem to be hoping for. Every day they should read aloud , and silently, read to another , and listen to a reading ; and very day they should write and learn some new vocabulary.

I fully endorse the condemnation of the standards. I taught at the very sensitive level of 8-10 year-olds . Tell a boy in those age groups that he is not up to standard and most times he will throw in the sponge...boys are difficult to turn into readers anyway.

Language needs to be at the base of all teaching in all subjects. Even keeping a daily diary is going to improve language . Reading is essential to developing breadth of language ability.

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National Standards were in force from 2009 to 2018. They included very narrow and rigid literacy standards and many of today's 15 year olds would have been told at an early age that they were 'below standard'. No wonder they were turned off teaching and learning.

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