Our direction

High levels of literacy and numeracy are the base on which Tasmania can be a place of innovation and excellence. Good literacy and numeracy skills are of critical importance to all students as they are the foundation stones on which they can build their future. It is essential that the department ensures high standards of literacy and numeracy among all Tasmanians, whatever their age.

This year, there has been a major focus on literacy. The government has invested around $16 million for literacy support in schools to improve literacy levels. In June 2007, Education Minister, David Bartlett, hosted the Tasmanian Literacy Summit to investigate ways to further improve Tasmanian literacy rates.

More than 100 educators, businesspeople and members of the community attended the summit. It featured keynote speakers and workshops on topics including the impact of literacy on other areas of the curriculum, the role of parents, particularly in the early years, and the social and economic impact that low literacy levels have on the Tasmanian community.