There has been considerable controversy around the proposed introduction of screening checks to identify at an early stage those children who are struggling with reading and numeracy.
However, effective teaching of those subjects in the early years of schooling is critical if Australia is to stem its current slide. And to be effective, teaching must include the use of appropriate assessments so that proper methods and intervention strategies can be put in place.
In response to the fact that large numbers of children are not meeting the expected learning outcomes and standards in literacy and numeracy, Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham appointed an Expert Advisory Panel this year to advise the government on how to best develop and implement a national Year 1 literacy and numeracy check.
The panel’s recommendation of a Year 1 Phonics Check reignited the debate over the role of phonics in learning to read — and why we need to identify children who are falling behind at an early stage.
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