[ENGLAND] Trainee teachers face sitting tough new tests in literacy and numeracy before being allowed to enter the classroom amid fears over poor standards in the three-Rs, it emerged today. Students will be required to sit rigorous exams to qualify...

[ENGLAND] Trainee teachers face sitting tough new tests in literacy and numeracy before being allowed to enter the classroom amid fears over poor standards in the three-Rs, it emerged today.

Students will be required to sit rigorous exams to qualify for training places as part of sweeping Government reforms designed to attract the brightest graduates into the profession.

An expert panel – led by top head teachers – will be tasked with drawing up new-style assessments of basic skills in a move designed to root out poorly-qualified candidates.

Ministers are also proposing to raise the pass mark for existing tests and clamp down on the number of times students can re-sit exams. (via Teachers to sit rigorous new tests in the three-Rs - Telegraph)