At Millen Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in literacy. Our Literacy Support Program is designed to provide additional assistance to students who may benefit from targeted support.
How Are Students Selected?
We carefully select students for the program based on a combination of assessments and individual needs:
- Academic Performance: Students who have received ‘D’ or ‘E’ grades in English or specifically in the reading sub-strand are considered for additional support.
- Individual Education Needs: Students with diagnosed learning disabilities (excluding those with individual funding) and those who participated in the program previously and may benefit from continued support.
- English Language Learners: Children who are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EALD) and haven’t yet met English language proficiency standards.
Our Approach to Assessment
- Assessment for learning: We use the UFLLI assessments, DIBELS, PM Benchmark and Fitzroy Progress records to determine starting points and monitor progress in order to teach at the point of need.
- Assessment of learning: We repeat the assessments above to track progress and achievement and fold in English Learning Area Grade achievements, alongside Progressive Achievement Tests in Reading, to add depth and breadth to the analysis of the cohort and the program.
What Does the Program Involve?
The Literacy Support Program is an intervention that complements the regular class program—it does not replace it. Students attend the Literacy Support Room in small groups, up to four times a week. Our focus areas include:
- Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: For students needing to grasp the basics of sounds and letters, we use UFLI strategies (from the University of Florida Literacy Institute) to develop these foundational skills.
- Decoding and Comprehension: Students work through the Fitzroy Readers decodable series to enhance their ability to read words accurately and understand texts.
- Skill Development: While reading is the primary focus, the program also naturally incorporates writing and spelling activities to support overall literacy.
Celebrating Success
We’re proud to share that in 2024, 20 students graduated from the program in 2024! Testing of these indicated they have caught up to their peers and no longer meet the criteria for additional support, achieving ‘C’ grades in English and reading.
Communication and Progress Monitoring
- Regular updates: We conduct ongoing assessments and share samples of students’ work each semester, keeping you informed of your child’s progress.
- Collaborative decisions: When assessments indicate a student is ready, we consider transitioning them out of the program, sometimes in consultation with parents who might prefer continued support.
Your Partner in Learning
We understand that some parents may wish for their child to remain in the program regardless of progress. We’re committed to working with you to ensure the best outcomes for your child, balancing ongoing support with fostering independence as they develop their literacy skills.