Tasmania: Improving literacy in Tasmanian primary schools

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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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Tasmania: Improving literacy in Tasmanian primary schools

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https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_res ... vsLWZT5Ec0
28 February 2023

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier

Roger Jaensch, Minister for Education, Children and Youth

Improving literacy in Tasmanian Primary Schools

Every Tasmanian child has a fundamental right to learn to read, write and spell.


Learning these skills is critical to future success in learning and life and should be guaranteed in every school and every classroom.

That is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is ensuring there is an evidence-based, structured approach to literacy in all Tasmanian primary schools.

Structured literacy is the teaching of all vital components of reading and writing in a logical order that checks for student understanding.

The Government’s Literacy Advisory Panel is releasing its final consultation paper today which will inform a framework to improve literacy from the early years to adulthood.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the Government is ensuring all Tasmanian children are taught in line with world’s best practice.

“When it comes to schooling the evidence is very clear about the benefits of a whole of system approach to, and whole of school implementation of synthetic phonics - which is learning to read by breaking up words into sounds,” the Premier said.

“This, combined with explicit teaching of all other essential components of reading, including oral language, phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension – is what the evidence tells us will make a positive difference.

“All schools should be using the National Phonics Check in Year 1 and this will now be a requirement.

“Our goal is that all schools with primary-aged children are able to demonstrate they are implementing the elements of evidence based structured literacy as advised by the panel, by 2026, and we will work with other education sectors and national research bodies to achieve this.”

Progress towards this goal will be monitored independently and reported on publicly.

Education, Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch said the evidence-based approach helps to improve students’ literacy skills and ensure they reach their full potential.

“Teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders will be provided with training, professional learning, and mentoring on this evidence-based teaching of literacy,” Minister Jaensch said.

The final recommendations of the Literacy Advisory Panel are expected in coming months and will inform the Government’s plan to implement recommendations.

The Premier confirmed that further announcements would be made before the end of the year.
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