Policy report
Reading Recovery: a failed investment
This paper argues that numerous studies of the Reading Recovery program have provided no sound evidence that it has sustained positive effects on children’s reading achievement in the medium or long-term, despite its widespread use and high cost.
Policy report
What the Gonski 2 Review got wrong
This report argues that the 'Gonski 2 Review' into Australian schools failed to fulfill its terms of reference to examine the evidence regarding the most effective teaching and learning strategies, and to provide advice on how the extra federal government funding for schools should be...
Report
National Year 1 literacy and numeracy check: expert advisory panel final report
This report argues that a national check of all Year 1 students in the areas of reading, phonics and numeracy will ensure that students who are behind in their schooling are identified early and can receive the extra support they need.
Report
Focus on phonics: why Australia should adopt the year 1 phonics screening check
In order to read proficiently, students need accurate and fluent word identification skills and adequate language comprehension. Put simply, they must be able to work out what the words on the page or screen are, and know what they mean. The most effective way to...
Report
Read about it: scientific evidence for effective teaching of reading
Overview How children learn to read is one of the most studied aspects of education. There is a large and rigorous body of scientific evidence identifying the key elements of high quality reading instruction. The research literature also unequivocally shows that explicit instruction methods are...