Secondary Teachers' Views and Actions Concerning Literacy and Literacy Teaching

Abstract

Within the context of the current government's concerns to raise literacy standards and its stated intention to examine literacy practices in the secondary school, this report details a survey concerning secondary teachers' views of and knowledge about literacy and literacy teaching. It argues that whilst the majority of secondary teachers acknowledge their role in supporting pupils' literacy, they are often uncertain of how to proceed; they make limited use of many literacy teaching strategies and may even assist their pupils in 'retreating from print'. The survey reveals that few secondary teachers have had any training in literacy development although teachers from all curriculum specialist areas indicate their willingness to engage with literacy training and INSET. It is argued that secondary schools will need such support and the sharing of good practice within and across schools if they are to be successful in supporting literacy development across the curriculum.