Shocked by reading, maths stats

The article in the Manawatū Standard pertaining to basic proficiency in reading and maths shockedme [ Standard, May 3].

I along with many of other children were educated in the 1950s and had a good grounding in spelling, writing and arithmetic. I can still see the walls in our classrooms with the times table displayed.

We sung the times table and at age 74 I can still recite the table to times-12.

We were taught to write and spell neatly. I remembermany spelling tests which improved proficiency of students.

Writing had to be of a good standard before using ink pens.

I go back another generation to my parents, most left school before age 15 but all could read and and write and do basic maths.

My father and his brother both had small cartage business and had to have good numeracy and writing skills for their bookkeeping.

Whywas a system that worked ever changed?

Garywatson, Levin

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