Getting the basics right A coherent system of basic skills education must start with a clear understanding of what adults should be able to achieve in literacy and numeracy at different levels. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) have recently issued draft standards at entry level, level 1 and level 2 for consultation. The final version is expected in March 2000. The Basic Skills Agency (BSA), the QCA and others will shortly begin developing a national basic skills curriculum . The new curriculum will correspond to the new standards and should be available soon afterwards. Employers need to have reliable information about the basic skills of job applicants. A national test will be established to assess basic skills at level 1 and level 2. The national test will replace all other test-based basic skills qualifications at these levels. QCA have begun developing test items. The national test will become available from January 2001. Information about basic skills attainment and provision is patchy. We need better information on the characteristics of the millions of adults with poor basic skills and the effects of poor basic skills for individuals and the country. We need to identify obstacles and incentives to learning, and to find out which methods of learning work most effectively for which groups. DfEE is developing a research strategy in consultation with other partners and has commissioned or will be commissioning work on these issues in the near future. "We hear a lot these days about a ‘learning revolution’. But this revolution must reach everyone, not least the millions of people, young and old, who suffer from poor basic skills. The ability of a broadcaster like the BBC to reach into almost every home and to create high quality and engaging content puts it right at the centre of any national drive to respond to the agenda set by the Moser Report." Will Wyatt – Chief Executive, BBC Broadcast

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