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Falling standards are falling standards

Irish teenagers getting lower maths and reading scores is a negative thing and deserves an appropriate headline

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Sat Sept 12 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – In response to Annette Quinn’s letter (September 11th), which takes issue with your paper’s headline on declining reading and maths scores, I must submit I think your approach is correct (“Irish teenagers getting weaker at maths and reading”, News, September 8th).

It is factually accurate to say that reading and maths scores have declined among Irish teenagers. That the decline in Ireland is less severe than in other countries does not make it a success or an achievement of our teachers and students. Falling standards are falling standards, and are still a negative and deserve an appropriate headline. – Yours, etc,

NIALL MCGLYNN,

Harold’s Cross,

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