ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of the book. Individual governments around the world have put an unprecedented focus on educational policy, to ensure that all children will at least acquire basic literacy skills. Literacy, contributes in significant ways to the wealth and cultural capital of a nation while also equipping individuals with the skills to begin to develop their potential, shape their destinies, and to break out of the cycle of poverty. The National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy seeks to build on the gains made by disadvantaged schools, and given that standards in Ireland have not changed in 30 years, it also seeks to raise national standards. Clearly, if underachievement in literacy is to be addressed, policy must have a dual focus on funding to equalize resources and on finding ways to accelerate achievement for those most in need of it.
