A lack of surprise from the Education Minister over poor writing achievement in schools. 

New data shows only a quarter of Year 8 students achieved their curriculum writing level last year.  

The Government's launching a new digital tool for students sitting below the standard and introducing more professional development in literacy.  

Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the figures are the results of years of decline and a poor curriculum, which is now being changed. 

She says there's teaching practices where students have to guess words. 

LISTEN ABOVE