Margaret M. Clark OBE publishes new research

Margaret M. Clark OBE, Visiting Professor at Newman University has published her latest research entitled Independent research into the impact of the systematic synthetic phonics government policy on literacy courses at institutions delivering initial teacher education in England.

The report of this research is now available to read and download from the Newman University website

This research was undertaken in 2019 by Margaret M. Clark, Sue Reid and Jude Sloan at Newman University, Jonathan Glazzard at Leeds Beckett University and Colin Mills at Manchester University.

In January 2020, Ofsted published a consultation document on the future inspection of initial teacher education institutions in England. The new policy will be announced shortly and if ratified will be implemented in September 2020.

The research involved a survey which was completed by 38 academics at Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers in England, 10 of whom were interviewed to explore in more detail the findings from the survey. This research is evidence of the current situation. Following the consultation, Ofsted is likely to further curtail the power of professionals in planning the content of their courses in early reading if they wish their institutions to retain the right to train teachers.

Professionals are encouraged by the research team to read the evidence, which they will also draw to the attention of members of The Education Select Committee.