PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

PIRLS 2006 Encyclopediainto subjects and assesses students’ achievement descriptively. In the teaching subjectsperiod, there are separate teachers for the major subject areas (Polish language, historyand society, mathematics, science, etc.) and marks are used for assessment.A modern foreign language is a mandatory subject in grades 4–6 of primary school,with English selected by half of the students. Foreign language instruction in grades 0–3is offered by a few schools as an extracurricular activity and usually at parents’ expense.The upper-secondary level is comprised of three types of schools: general education(liceum), general vocational (liceum profilowane) and vocational (technikum). Each typeof school offers a final examination (matura), which entitles students with passing scoresto apply to a higher-education institution. Typically, general education graduates achievethe highest examination test scores of all upper-secondary school students, therebyearning a greater chance than other students to study at prestigious universities anddepartments. The postsecondary level is available to upper-secondary school graduateswho wish to gain vocational qualifications equivalent to those of vocational graduates.As an exception to the structure of the education system, there are some 2-year basicvocational schools that prepare students for skilled industrial or trade vocations. About18% of lower-secondary school graduates attend these school. Upon completion, studentsreceive a certificate that may not be used for entry into higher education institutions.Role of Preprimary EducationPreprimary education is compulsory for children at age 6 but is voluntary for childrenbetween ages 3 and 5. Currently, kindergarten is attended by 19% of children in ruralareas and 59% of children in urban areas.Reading Curriculum in the Primary GradesReading PolicyThe official policy on reading literacy is summarized in the Basic Curriculum. Forgrades 0–3, reading centers on three major areas: teaching objectives, schoolresponsibilities, and content. Teachers support student development of reading, writing,and arithmetic skills. Reading instruction focuses on syllables, words, sentences, and texts,including Polish and foreign classical children’s literature. In addition, students are taughtto read silently and with understanding. The Basic Curriculum does not recommendparticular methods of reading instruction or formulate expectations of students’ readinglevels in consecutive grades.For grades 4–6, the Basic Curriculum addresses reading in the context of teachingobjectives, school responsibilities, and student achievement. Teaching objectivesinclude supporting students’ communication skills and introducing them to the worldof culture by:Poland• Developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in diversecommunication in private and public situations;• Discovering students’ interests, capabilities, and needs, as well as their linguisticand literacy skills; and304