Dr Jennifer Buckingham describes why the phonics check is crucial in Australia
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:23 pm
I've added this piece to the 'General Forum' because this issue about implementing a simple phonics check is not only important, indeed essential, for Australia but also for other English-speaking/teaching countries.
Jennifer is a true pioneer in promoting evidence-informed reading instruction and her succinct rational writing style is powerful and clear:
Jennifer is a true pioneer in promoting evidence-informed reading instruction and her succinct rational writing style is powerful and clear:
https://www.cis.org.au/commentary/artic ... s-crucial/Phonics check is crucial
Jennifer Buckingham
01 DECEMBER 2017
There is however, strong support for the Year 1 Phonics Check from many academics, researchers, principals, teachers and parents. An online petition has garnered more than 3000 signatures and social media is alight with debate. The FIVEfromFIVE video explainer has had almost 13,000 views.
The Year 1 Phonics Check proposal will be discussed by education ministers at the Education Council meeting next Friday. The arguments for the Check are clear and compelling. At the very least, it is worth doing a national trial. Any objections to such a proposal can only be on political rather than educational grounds, and that would be a very disappointing result indeed.