Some general considerations

There have undoubtedly been improvements in the reading attainments of children during the past ten years and these have been reflected in the higher attainments of school leavers. ¹ Although reliable figures are not available, it is reasonably certain that fewer children are leaving school illiterate or semi-literate. These improvements have been due to a determined effort on the part of the L.E.A.’s and teachers to tackle the problem of backwardness. The provision of more special schools, special classes, remedial departments and diagnostic clinics; the provision of more courses and lectures for teachers; and an expansion (although limited and inadequate) in research into the reading process and teaching materials, have all played a part in raising reading standards.