The Guardian reports on the latest announcement from the Education Secretary Michael Gove, that pupils who fail English and Maths will be have to undertake a further two years of study. This is part of a strategy to raise the literacy and numeracy standards of school leavers in response to the government-commissioned Wolf Report which found that unacceptable numbers of children were leaving school  with poor literacy and numeracy skills. Full story

A new Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey has shown that school  and college leavers entering the world of work have such inadequate basic skills that employers are now forced to teach them literacy and numeracy skills. Full story

The Telegraph reports on the latest educational concern about marking school work in red ink. Although the use of red ink is traditionally viewed as helpful in that it allows pupils to see their corrections clearly, a new school of thought views the use of red ink as "confrontational" and "threatening".
Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: "Banning red ink is absolutely barmy...Common sense suggests that children learn by their mistakes and occasionally they need upsetting to teach them to pull their socks up. ..Red ink is the quickest way for pupils to see where they are going wrong and raise standards". Full story.

The Telegraph reports on the recent comments from the Association for Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) about the lack of feedback and coordination on primary school pupils' homework. With some primary school children being assigned what might be seen as excessive levels of homework, the need for more uniformity within the education system is needed. Part of the problem seems to be that some teachers do not have time to mark homework which is sometimes passed on to the teaching assistants.During the union's annual conference in Liverpool, Cecily Hanlon, a teacher from Leeds, commented: "Homework is a waste of children's time, teachers' time and from what I have heard parents think it's a waste of time as well. Full story

Sky News reports on the recent teachers' survey from the National Association Of Head Teachers (NAHT) which presents evidence about the increasing levels of violence against teachers from both parents and pupils. 1 in 10 teachers have been attacked by a parent or pupil at school. 75% of teachers surveyed reported that they had been the victim of verbal abuse or threats from a parent. 20% have suffered cyberbullying on a social networking site. 68% reported that parental abusive behaviour towards teachers had worsened.
Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the NAHT commented: "The vast majority of families are a pleasure to work with but not all. Emotions run high when children are involved. School leaders often have to make difficult decisions about discipline, exclusions, holidays and the distribution of limited budgets. Many come under unacceptable pressure designed to effect undue influence on them.  All are dedicated to doing what is best for the children in their care.  Some pay a high personal cost for this dedication.” Full story