Education minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon  said several steps are being taken to address illiteracy among students, including those at the secondary school level.

Her statement follows media reports that more than 70% of the roughly 220 grade seven students at a St. Andrew based school are unable to read, or, are only able to at the grade-three level.

Speaking at this morning’s post Cabinet press briefing Dr. Morris Dixon said the ministry has identified other schools with the issue.

She said programmes have been put in place to address this.

The minister added that more interventions are taking place and reading specialists are also working with the students.

She also reiterated that reading will be time-tabled at the primary level as a means of improving literacy.

Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted that students with literacy issues are usually those coming from challenging circumstances.

She acknowledged that there are gaps at the primary level and assured that these will be addressed.