NASUWT comments on OECD’s Skills for Life report
Commenting on the publication of the OECD’s Skills for Life report, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“There are a number of key factors which all of the best performing countries highlighted in this report have in common: investment in education, respect for the education workforce, employer engagement in education and training and an education service which creates effective links between learning and work.
“Sadly these factors are entirely absent from the education reforms being pursued by Michael Gove.
“This Government’s time in office to date has been characterised by deep cuts to education, the denigration of vocational education and the adoption of a narrow curriculum.
“The gap in literacy and numeracy levels between young people in the UK and other developed nations identified in this report must be effectively and urgently tackled.
“We need to radically revamp the current arrangements for work placements and careers guidance, ensure employers invest in high-quality learning opportunities for young people and take steps to ensure that all young people can afford to continue their learning beyond 16.
“The Coalition should heed the findings of this report and reconsider their damaging and elitist approach to education reform which will not address the issues highlighted by this report.”
ENDS
Lena Davies
Press and Media Officer
Campaigns and Communications Team
NASUWT
0121 457 6250 / 07867 392 746
lena.davies@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
-01.png){kind=spacer}