Literacy and Numeracy Literacy and numeracy are among the most important life skills that our schools teach. Literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to a person’s ability to develop fully as an individual, to live a satisfying and rewarding life and to participate fully in our society. In 2011, the Department of Education launched their national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among children and young people. The five areas for immediate action are as follows: Improved professional development for teachers Increasing the time available for teaching literacy and numeracy improving arrangements for assessment of children’s literacy and numeracy achievement Improving arrangements for assessment of children’s literacy and numeracy achievement Better arrangement for reporting children’s progress Co-operating with the administration of national and international assessment studies Read more about Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People, 2011 – 2020. See also education.ie