Despite a chorus of "rising standards" from politicians firms are having to teach teenage workers basic numeracy and literacy. From the Telegraph: "Half of employers said some teenagers were "unable to function in the workplace" claiming they cannot make simple calculations in their
heads, speak in an articulate manner or understand written instructions." The only skills that young people appear to have in abundance are information technology skills developed at home with iPods and Myspace.
If, after 11 years of full-time education, students have not taken away even the most basic of skills our education system has become almost a complete waste of time. The case for serious reform becomes stronger by the day.