At GSHS the Literacy and Numeracy Teams utilise a systematic approach to improving Literacy and Numeracy outcomes. The Multi-Tiered Systems of support is an evidence based, educational framework designed to provide varying and targeted levels of support to students, based on individual needs. Utilising systematic (OLNA and NAPLAN) as well as school data (DIBELS, Bond Blocks) data, students are identified and offered placements in the appropriate programs. We also promote Literacy and Numeracy as a whole school responsibility and have been introducing tier 1 strategies across all learning areas to be utilised by every teacher, in every classroom, everyday.
MacqLit is an explicit and systematic reading intervention program for small groups of older, low-progress readers from Year 3-12. It is aimed at students who fall in the bottom 25% of a standardised reading test. Focusing on phonics, decoding word recognition strategies to develop reading accuracy and fluency. Reinforced Reading is small groups or one on one opportunities for students to read for 10-15 minutes per week, to improve reading accuracy and fluency.
Bond Blocks is a hands – on, manipulative intervention for teaching and consolidating addition and subtraction concepts. The physical blocks help students understand the whole-part model, build number sense and develop fluency in basic facts. Students work in small groups for 15 minutes during their timetables Mathematics classes.
Small Group Tuition Initiative provides targeted instruction to identified groups of students to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills. The literacy and numeracy groups have a maximum of 5 students who engage in evidence based programs focusing on
Literacy Skills:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Sentence and paragraph writing
- Reading comprehension
- Text Types
Numeracy Skills based on Mathematic concepts
- Number and Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
- Geometry and Measurement
The OLNA classes in Reading, Writing and Numeracy focus on the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to achieve a Category 3 in their Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment. Students who have received a category 1 or 2 in their last OLNA sit are allocated to the appropriate OLNA class, where they will utilise SCSA practice tests, OLNAWA and Education Perfect platforms to target identified, diagnostic gaps.
Teaching Staff
Nicolla Taylor Program Coordinator
Term 4 Assistance: Claire Parker
