Premier

Boosting Student Performance In Literacy And Numeracy

13 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government will give principals access to detailed performance data and teachers will be better supported as part of a new strategy to boost literacy and numeracy results.

Minister for Education James Merlino announced the strategy at the South West Principal Regional Forum today.

Schools will be provided with the latest evidence-based teaching resources, professional development opportunities and increased support to help them lift student literacy and numeracy skills.

The strategy will help schools reach Education State targets of more students reaching the highest levels in reading and mathematics and breaking the link between disadvantage and education outcomes.

As part of the strategy:

  • School principals and leadership teams will have access to detailed performance data, including on how their school is performing in relation to other schools
  • Teachers will be supported to better understand their students to help boost results
  • High-performing schools will form networks with other schools to share teaching strategies
  • A list of recommended literacy and numeracy experts will be created that schools can use in training
  • New curriculum specialist and turnaround leadership teams will work with schools and in classrooms
  • Internationally recognised Wolfram software will be rolled out to all Victorian secondary schools
  • Teachers will get new improved resources and access to new literacy and numeracy portals – a one-stop-shop that brings together teaching guides, resources and advice.

The strategy is a result of extensive consultation with students, teachers and principals at the frontline of our education system having their say on what they need to get the job done. They will be encouraged to continue providing feedback on the strategy so it can be continually improved.

It builds on the work done since 2015 to improve Victoria’s education system, and is based on approaches used to boost student outcomes in comparable school systems, including Ontario in Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister James Merlino

“Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential for kids to get the best out of themselves – that’s why we’ve been working closely with principals, teachers, students and education experts to develop this comprehensive strategy.”

“It draws on the best evidence to give principals and teachers the support they need to help all students excel.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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