Literacy and numeracy in disadvantaged schools: challenges for teachers and learners: an evaluation by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science

In March 2004 the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science undertook an evaluation of literacy and numeracy in a selected number of schools with very high levels of disadvantage. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify school variables that impact on the development of literacy and numeracy skills and to recommend policies and strategies that would enable schools to improve children’s achievements in literacy and numeracy. Twelve schools were selected from a Department of Education and Science list of schools designated as serving areas of disadvantage.