Education Research: Secondary Students Lacking Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Skills
EDUCATION RESEARCH NEWS
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EDUCATION RESEARCH NEWS -
14 July 2024
Two 2023 reports suggest 20% of Australian students transitioning from primary to high school fall at or below minimum standards for literacy and numeracy. Not only does this put them behind their peers, but carries a correlation with a lack of engagement with their schooling, a higher likelihood to leave school without completing year 12, and have worse health and employment outcomes after leaving school.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) in conjunction with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) found:
Over 50% of respondents (including teachers) said their schools provided additional support to students struggling with literacy and numeracy;
Over 40% stated they were not sure that support was effective;
The support offered was not consistent between schools, in terms of the supports available and approaches taken.
AERO (in conjunction with Monash University) suggest that a Multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) provides the best way forward in assisting students with literacy and numeracy issues. That model involves:
The use of evidence based teaching methods;
Testing to identify areas for improvement;
The use of 1:1 supports;
Collection of data to monitor progress.
Right to Learn implements an MTSS model, including the use of data collection and testing to gauge where a student is at, and where improvements can be made. Our methods are all evidence-based, and tailored to each student. As sessions are one on one, each student has the undivided attention of our specifically trained tutors. Students progress is also tracked, with ongoing reporting to parents.
If you think your child might be struggling with their literacy and numeracy, please contact us for a commitment free discussion about how we might be able to help.
