I hadn't realised that French school kids did so badly in the PIRLS tests, and that they've been getting worse at it over the last few years.<\/p>\n
PIRLS<\/a> *<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0is known as a reading test, but it's much more like a new-fashioned comprehension test \u2013 a 21st century version of all those interminable exercises I did at school which I saw little relevance in at the time but which, as it turns out, helped me start to develop a language skill that I've used in all the work I've ever done.<\/p>\n Anyway back to the French and their\u00a0concerns over what to do about PIRLS given that it demonstrates that not all's well with the French Bac. \u00a0 One option is to withdraw from it whilst making self-serving noise about how it puts too great a burden on children teachers, parents, etc. \u00a0This is what the Scots did after the 2006<\/a> results **<\/strong><\/em>. \u00a0 And for depressingly similar reasons, so, of course, did the Welsh,<\/p>\n Another option is to try to do something about it as the Economist<\/a> reported this week. The New Napoleon has ordered significant changes in the French Bac although there seems to have been less than extensive consultation with teachers who (always on the lookout for a chance to parade their virtue on the streets when the days get warmer) are said to be upset.<\/p>\n Happily (but unhappily if you're the saviour of Europe), Les Rosbifs<\/em> are doing rather well<\/a> in PIRLS, as are (of course) the Northern Irish<\/a>. \u00a0To see what sort of test PIRLS offers, just have a look here<\/a>.<\/p>\n ......................................<\/p>\n Note<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) measures the reading ability of 10-year-olds, which can then be compared with other countries. The study is run by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) on a 5-yearly cycle. The next round of the study takes place later this year and will be delivered through Pearson Education and Oxford University in England.<\/p>\n