Is the quest for better literacy genuine?

 
 
July 3, 2010                                             Media release

From: Allan Campbell, member, Christchurch, (03) 960-6138;
Authorized by Jack Bovill, chair, London

One has to ask: Is the International Reading Association (IRA) serious in its quest for better literacy learning?
 
Its 23rd biennial World Congress is to be held at Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland, on July 12-15. The Association says it "supports and encourages research that promotes informed decision making by reading professionals, policymakers, and the public".
 
Yet, only one of the titles of its 202 sessions mentions "spelling", and that one is in relation to learning a second language. Spelling plays an important part in learning and using an alphabetical language.  Does the IRA not see this?  Is it ignoring the elephant in the room?
 
The Spelling Society (based in London) maintains that English spelling is a major influence in English-speaking nations all having a "long tail" of literacy under-achievers, as shown by international research.
 
The Society asks why a body of professionals seeking to increase literacy rates, especially in English, seems not to be interested in studying this aspect of literacy learning, and finding if there si something that can be done about it.
 
In New Zealand the Society has tried to bring this problem to the attention of decision makers by corresponding with various ministers of education and educational bodies, and by making a submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Teaching of Reading in 2000 advocating upgrading our spelling to make it support learning reading and writing.
 
At least two prominent New Zealand politicians have indicated they favour change, but are wary of doing anything to achieve it. Hon Trevor Mallard, a former Minister of Education, in November 1998 (while in opposition) wrote: "I certainly agree that change in spelling is desirable but it is a very long term project."
 
Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Gordon, chair of the Select Committee hearing our submission, said, in rejecting it, that "the committee did not reject your ideas, but felt that a focus on the language, rather than on reading, was beyond its brief. . . . While not averse to the notion of simplified spelling . . . the commitee members were united in the view that we are unable to recommend such a strategy to the 
Government." She later wrote: " I feel sure that your long-term aim will one day be met."
 
Numbers of international studies have shown that young learners in other languages with logical spelling systems master literacy much sooner and in greater numbers than do English-speaking children.
Present English spelling is the elephant in the room, and needs to be dismissed.
 
[Ends]

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