Since the start of term I have delivered TESMC Modules 4&5 at Brompton Primary as well as meeting with the leadership at Kilkenny Primary to start planning the delivery of TESMC at that site during Term 3. This will allow teachers ample time in last term to implement and share their learning from the course.
This week I was part of an SSI Review Team that visited a school to provide them with some commendations and recommendations primarily about the teaching and learning of literacy. While this three day visits feel long and very intense, they do allow for opportunities to converse with and observe staff, parents and students. Part of the role of a review team member is to maintain confidentiality, but I think I can say that it was a pleasure to be a guest in a school that tries so very hard to deal with the complexities of their changing cohort. Typically some of the recommendations result in me be invited back to work more closely with the school as they begin to address those recommendations about ESL students and parents.
Yesterday I attended the region's senior years curriculum committee meeting to give an update about achievements and developments in ESL that relate to Year 10-12 students. It also gave me an opportunity to promote some of the presentations at the Regional Literacy Fair that took place today.
It was attended by about 160 primary and secondary leaders from almost every school in the region. Each school had a static display that featured at least one aspect of their literacy work. During the hour given to view these I probably saw a thrid of them. While they adressed a wide range of literacy topics and approaches typically they were evidence or research based and part of a school school approach. Many also featured the terminology, resources or processes developed by the Literacy Secretariat including the ESL Program. Those who organised the day and presented can be very proud of their part in a wonderful event.
My modest contribution was to give deliver two sessions. The first was an introduction to the ESL Literacy Levels and their alignment with the literacy continuum in the Australian Curriculum. In the other session I gathered feedback from school leaders that will help shape the development of a regional genre map and accompanying teaching resources.