University staff will work with teachers and students as co-researchers in the futureSACE Literacy Project, which aims to improve literacy outcomes for those students likely to have difficulty with the complex demands of the senior secondary curriculum.
The project is being developed by a team of UniSA and Flinders University educators led by Professor Barbara Comber from UniSA and Lyn Wilkinson from Flinders University's School of Education, in collaboration with the futureSACE Office and the Department of Education and Children's Services.
Acting Director of the Hawke Research Institute, Prof Comber said the project will help students identified as "at risk" through the Year 9 Literacy and Numeracy (LaN) Tests.
"A Professional Development Program has been designed and is being delivered to teachers from 12 South Australian schools to support those students struggling with the variety of literacies they need to successfully complete their senior schooling," Prof Comber said.
"Those students identified as needing additional support are being mentored, with a focus on a variety of aspects of literacy, student identity and transition to work."
The project is also researching the curriculum, teaching and assessment challenges facing teachers who support students struggling with literacy.
"It is imperative that we identify what the barriers and obstacles to improving literacy are, so that the teachers and their students can develop strategies to help to overcome them," Prof Comber said.
"Through this program, innovative practices that make a real difference to students with literacy difficulties will be identified and promoted."
Prof Comber is confident that the project will deliver some very clear improvements in literacy for many students who are currently struggling.
"Literacy skills are critical for young people's success during and after their schooling," she said.
"This project is likely to demonstrate that focus and intervention in specific areas will provide enormous benefits - directly translating into improved life opportunities for those students."
The futureSACE Literacy Project is one of a number of projects which form the futureSACE School to Work Innovation Program, initiated by State Education Minister Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and overseen by Mary Asikas, e-learning and Innovation Officer with the futureSACE Office.
