Two HM Inspectorate of Education reports, Early Intervention 1998-2000 and Standards and Quality in Primary Schools: Mathematics 1998-2001, show that standards in mathematics are improving, particularly in the first four years of primary school.
Mr McConnell said he was particularly pleased that the early intervention programme showed a 'positive impact on the attainment of younger pupils'.
'Both early intervention, to ensure young children do not fall behind their classmates, and basic numeracy skills are essential priorities for Scottish education. They are central to our drive to raise standards and improve opportunities for all.
Overall attainment was found to be very good in 15 per cent and good in 60 per cent of schools, with room for improvement in 25 per cent.
The standards report said, 'Teachers and pupils had very positive relationships and pupils were well motivated in almost all classes.
'Over the period of the inspection survey, HMI observed an increasing use of lively, interactive teaching which encouraged an enthusiastic response from pupils. They also found more frequent examples of very good oral mental maths sessions.'
The other report said that 'an ethos of achievement had been established in many schools.'
The Scottish Executive has allocated 56m to the early intervention programme over five years since its launch in 1997. Local authorities were invited to put in proposals for implementing the programme, which include recruiting more classroom assistants to help pupils' literacy and numeracy and setting up home-to-school links to support parents in developing their children's skills.
Mr McConnell is waiting for the report of an independent evaluation of the programme carried out by Moray House Institute of Education and KPMG chartered accountants before making a decision about its future.
