Surveys hows many students can’t read

October 1983

A shock survey of a group of young people in Wexford showing that fifty per cent of them are unable to read simple English has resulted in a widespread call for remedial teachers at primary school level.

The survey, taken from 157 First Year students over the age of 12 years, revealed that approximately half have problems reading a book suitable for seven-year-olds.

It also found that 25 per cent of 14-year-olds surveyed could not read a book designed for eight-year-olds, and 29 per cent could not read a book for ten-year-olds. These figures are the result of a standard reading test, scientifically applied by qualified teachers.

The figures brought concerned reaction this week from a number of teachers, including Mr Tim Galvin, Principal of Piercestown National School and a member of the Executive Council of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.

He pointed to large classes at primary level and the absence of remedial teachers for problem children as the two main contributory factors to such high levels of illiteracy among young people.

He said it was almost impossible to get remedial teachers into primary schools, especially those in rural areas. He understood that it wouldn’t be economically viable to have one in every school, but suggested that one could be shared between a number of schools.

Home life also plays a large part in reading ability or lack thereof, according to another Wexford teacher.

‘ There is little or no tradition or custom of reading in many homes,’ she said. ‘Unfortunately, many parents can barely read themselves.’