Welcome help for maths teaching, but we must
avoid delay and obfuscation

Save British Science today welcomed the Education Secretary’s positive response to the crisis in maths teaching, but warned that it was a mistake to pass some the responsibility to the Working Group on 14-19 Education.

“We’re delighted that Charles Clarke, the Education Secretary, has decided to take notice of the important report on mathematics teaching, and to implement serious recommendations, such as paying maths teachers more,” said Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of SBS. “The Smith Report contained detailed plans to address the shortage of teachers, and the shortcomings of the exam system, and we need swift action to address the problem.”

“However, the 14-19 Working Party has not proved itself to be very decisive or effective. Its reports have been characterised by vagueness and a lack of serious detail, and we are concerned that if the plans for maths teaching are sent to this group, they will get bogged down and either be diluted or delayed.”

SBS strongly supports the suggestion that, in order to attract more good mathematics teachers, they should be paid more and have their student debts paid off.

ENDS