Government need to tackle illiteracy in most deprived areas as a priority (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Government need to tackle illiteracy in most deprived areas as a priority

January 14, 2010 5:05 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Hugh O'DonnellCommenting after speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate on the Literacy Commission's report, Liberal Democrat deputy Education spokesman Hugh O'Donnell MSP said:

"The Literacy Commission report concluded that socio-economic disadvantage is the most important cause of illiteracy.

"Instead of a blanket approach to poorer areas, the focus must be personalised to look at pupil and family need.

"There are obviously many other factors involved in poor literacy. The problem is exacerbated by the SNP's savage teacher cuts and hazy Curriculum for Excellence.

"Literacy is not simply an educational issue, it is a tool of social justice. By increasing literacy in deprived areas we can start to change Scotland's social mobility record for the good of all."