Introduction
Welcome to the first Primary Matters for 2018. In this issue, we explore the new Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions, provide an update on the Digital Technologies in Focus project and explore the ways three schools are implementing the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter.
The National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions are the latest addition to the ‘Resources’ section of the Australian Curriculum website. They have been developed to support teachers in implementing the Australian Curriculum: English and the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics.
What is the purpose of the progressions?
The progressions can assist teachers to locate where an individual student is in terms of his or her literacy and numeracy development, by helping them understand the typical sequence of learning for literacy and numeracy. The progressions are not tied to year levels as they recognise that students usually follow the same sequence or path of learning, albeit at different rates. The progressions also allow teachers to identify students who have not yet reached the age-equivalent expectations of the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics (and students who have exceeded them), so teaching can be adjusted to ensure all students make progress.
How will the progressions help teachers in primary schools?
Students acquire literacy and numeracy skills at different rates. For example, a student may enter Foundation knowing how to write his or her own name, while another student may be making pencil marks on a page. Another student in the same class may be producing short pieces of writing. It is the responsibility of the school and classroom teacher(s) to identify current levels of learning and teach the range of students so that they can work towards and achieve the standards set out in the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.
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Elements of the National Literacy progression Elements of the National Numeracy Progression
How were the progressions developed?
The National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions were developed for teachers to use in the classroom. The progressions are evidence-based and were trialled by over 600 teachers in schools across the nation in March–May last year. Following trialling and detailed teacher feedback, we released an amended version of the progressions for consultation with key ACARA stakeholders. The final version of the progressions was published on the ‘Resources’ section of the Australian Curriculum website in January 2018. State and territory school and curriculum authorities will make decisions about the use of the National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions in their jurisdictions.
As a part of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, ACARA has been funded to support the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies in some of Australia’s most disadvantaged schools.
One hundred and sixty schools with a low rating on the index of community socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) have been invited to participate in the project. From July 2017, leaders and teachers from these schools took part in workshops to support the implementation of Digital Technologies subjects within their schools.Eight Digital Technologies specialists (members of the Curriculum unit) have been supporting clusters of schools, providing digital technologies expertise to primary and secondary school teachers.
In 2018, the Digital Technologies specialists will conduct regional professional learning workshops with teachers and school leaders. These workshops will be customised to the specific needs of participating schools, with webinars and online mentoring complementing face-to-face events.
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Relationship between key ideas and Technologies subjects
Did you know?
The Australian Curriculum website houses a range of resources and publications to support schools in deepening their understanding of the Australian Curriculum and help teachers as they implement the curriculum.
The resources have been developed by ACARA after intensive work with schools and teachers. To see and use illustrations of practice, work samples, connections to the curriculum as well as links to reports and relevant research, visit the Australian Curriculum website and click ‘Resources/publications’.
Our next issue of Primary Matters will be published in June, with a focus on safety across the curriculum. How does your school approach child safety or e-safety? We’d love to hear from you! Send your story suggestions and feedback to [email protected]