Submission to the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) Expert Panel

Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System Consultation

The ACT Alliance for Evidence-Based Education Australia is calling for a national literacy reform initiative comprising of five elements:

  1. National implementation of standardised universal screening to ensure all students are on track and to identify those who require additional support

  2. National implementation of a systematic response to intervention model providing evidence-based instruction for all students with small group tutoring and one-on-one support for those who require additional help

  3. National support for high-quality curriculum and instruction, empowering an independent body to provide evidence-based instructional guidance and protocols for early reading instruction and interventions

  4. National investment in quality teaching, supported by clear standards linked to accreditation with training and coaching provided for in-service teachers

  5. Increased transparency and accountability regarding data, especially for students with disabilities

By adopting these elements, we can foster a culture of accountability and significantly improve literacy outcomes for all students, breaking the predictability of achievement based on socio-economic status and providing equal opportunities for success.