Michael Gove has been appointed by David Cameron as 'Secretary of state for Education' in the new Cabinet.
Why do I think this is important? This is Michael Gove’s answer to a recent question as to what he saw as one of the main priorities for early years teaching:
“The central priority for the first years of primary schooling must be learning to read. Unless children have learned to read, they can't read to learn. Which is why we will improve teacher training to provide authoritative instruction in the implementation of systematic synthetic phonics. The most detailed academic studies – in Clackmannanshire and West Dunbartonshire – show that in these two relatively disadvantaged Scottish local authorities, systematic synthetic phonics teaching effectively eliminated illiteracy. So we will do everything we can to support teachers in getting reading right so that children can then go on to enjoy a broad, balanced and wide-ranging curriculum”. (The Guardian March 2010).
All those who are passionate about teaching children to read with Synthetic Phonics will be hoping that this new appointment will lead to a guaranteed whole school approach to teaching in this way.
Logically, this will also hopefully mean a re-think of the way that millions are spent on Reading Recovery intervention for struggling readers. Although this programme does include phonics, it is a mixed method approach that is at odds with good synthetic phonics teaching. It is true that there are many success stories, but that is not surprising given the intensive one-to-one tuition received by the children. If that same one-to-one time could be spent on additional phonics catch-up, I believe the results would undoubtedly be much better for a fraction of the cost.
Michael Gove has vowed to eliminate illiteracy in schools in England by the time he leaves office – I wish him every success.
