An independent review of education in Tasmania says we should “stay the course” on Lifting Literacy.

The review was made by Vicki Bayliss, a well-respected educator. On 22 January the final report from the review was released.

“Sustaining focus, implementation support and resources over the longer term on Lifting Literacy is important to the lives of individuals and Tasmania’s overall future,” the report said.

As part of the Lifting Literacy initiative, all schools in Tasmania must introduce structured literacy instruction.

The review found there are good results from structured literacy already happening in schools.

This includes improvements in wellbeing data. Teachers say they are seeing more regulated behaviour in students because they can better keep up with learning and have gained confidence from known routines.

It was noted it will take time to see the full effect of structured literacy in student learning outcomes.

Other findings relevant to Lifting Literacy include:

  • Tasmania should have clear indicators and measures that provide evidence of whether initiatives being implemented have impact (from Finding 7).
  • The Tasmanian education system could strengthen how it works with tertiary providers to ensure teachers have the knowledge, skills and capabilities so they are well prepared for all aspects of the classroom (Finding 17).
  • Before policy makers consider a systemic approach for numeracy, the Lifting Literacy initiative should become embedded with sustained improved outcomes evident over time (from Finding 36).

Recommendations in the report relevant to Lifting Literacy are:

  • Recommendation 12: stay the course on Lifting Literacy as the review saw several indicators of early impact.
  • Recommendation 13: over the next 10 years, ensure the workforce is equipped with the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy so they are taught across all phases of learning and subject disciplines.
  • Recommendation 14: advice from experts should inform the pace of implementation of other major initiatives to ensure a sound evidence base guides their roll out.