Teachers to spell out when pupils can use ‘text speak’

Andrew Denholm:

he increasing use of "text speak" by pupils in English lessons is to be addressed as part of wider moves to put basic literacy at the heart of the school curriculum.

Under the Scottish Government's Curriculum for Excellence, reading, writing and spelling are to be embedded in all lessons - rather than just English - and close attention will be paid to spelling, comprehension and punctuation.

Because pupils spend a significant proportion of their time blogging or using webcasts, podcasts and social networking internet sites, the new emphasis on literacy is intended to teach when it is acceptable to use abbreviated forms of English such as text speak.

Literacy programmes will also teach children to think about the potential dangers of using different media and to consider the consequences of their actions online.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at February 22, 2008 12:00 AM
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