Phase 1 Initial Screening

Assessment plays a key role in the program. Children will be screened on the areas of key knowledge and skills at the beginning of each year. The goal of screening is to provide teachers with information on children's existing knowledge as a basis for planning their teaching programs. Screening will allow teachers to identify any children who are having difficulty in attaining developmentally appropriate competencies in the key areas and so modify their programs to address children?s individual competencies.

Phase 2 Professional Learning

Professional learning programs can focus on development of teacher expertise. Professional learning will be provided by Dr Carol Christensen. Sessions will cover the theory and research on which the program is based, as well as practical activities to develop children's knowledge and understandings.  

Phase 3 Teaching for Development of Children's Knowledge and Understandings

Following screening and professional learning, teachers will implement teaching approaches designed to facilitate children's development. Teaching strategies, resources and materials will be discussed in the professional learning.

Phase 4 Monitoring Student Performance and Final Assessment

At the end of the year, children will be re-assessed on the initial screening measures. As the key areas of learning are sequential, it is essential that all children master each of the skills.

There are many reasons for a child not attaining mastery of a particular skill. Children who have extensive absences from school, who are highly mobile and attend a particular school for a relatively short time or children who have intellectual disabilities may find it particularly difficult to develop the skills. Monitoring performance at the end of the year will allow the school to identify those children who are at risk of failing in literacy and to provide additional support in the following year.