Preparing Young People for the Work-Force: The Place of Literacy and Numeracy. Discussion Paper No. 8.

This paper reports on the effectiveness of Australian schools in preparing young people for the workplace with particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Section 1 summarizes the contents. Section 2 notes current interest in assessing school effectiveness. The issue of standards of literacy and numeracy is then considered. Reference is made to interpretational and technical problems in monitoring standards, and the case is argued for more valid measures of student achievement and increased role by the Education Department in supporting school assessment of achievement and in monitoring standards. An employer perspective of school effectiveness makes detailed reference to a research study of employer expectations and perceptions of school leavers. Section 3 describes some school arrangements and initiatives in educating for literacy and numeracy, orienting students toward the world of work, and teacher education. Section 4 concludes that despite greater emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and vocational preparation, schools will have to be increasingly more effective in meeting demands of a rapidly changing society. Four focuses for further action are proposed: evaluation and implementation of new ideas; curriculum development; improved supervision, monitoring, and reporting of pupil progress; and emphasis in teacher education on teaching literacy and numeracy. (YLB)