The National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions are different from the general capability literacy and numeracy continua in scope, structure and intended use.
The general capabilities describe what can reasonably be expected of students at particular year levels, whereas the progressions describe the steps of literacy and numeracy development and, unlike the general capabilities, are not organised by year levels or stages of schooling.
The general capabilities materials were initially developed to inform the writing of learning area curriculum (Foundation to Year 10) and to ensure the strong and coherent inclusion of the general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum learning area content. They were designed to support the broader application of literacy and numeracy across learning areas. The progressions are more fine-grained than the general capabilities and describe a detailed sequence of literacy and numeracy development.
The progressions can be used in tandem with the literacy and numeracy general capabilities continua. The general capability continua help teachers develop a shared understanding of the scope and sequence of the general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum and support teachers to see the opportunities to build the literacy and numeracy experiences into their teaching and learning programs. The literacy and numeracy continua also provide opportunity for the inclusion of curriculum content to support students with disability. Levels 1a – 1d in literacy and level 1a in numeracy support teachers build programs to meet the needs of all students.
The progressions can be used to help teachers locate the literacy and numeracy development of students and identify what literacy and numeracy development should follow. The progressions will assist teachers to be more explicit and targeted in their teaching.