Winner of 'Alec Sewell Gift' from the Ian Potter Foundation
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In 2010-2011 Cue Learning was part of the Flinders University consortium that won an Ian Potter Foundation grant to work with two school communities in Adelaide's northern region. (The 'Alec Prentice Sewell Gift'). The schools were Swallowcliffe Primary School and John Hartley School. We also would like to acknowledge the support of the Department for Education and Child Development.
Cue consultant Sharon Callen worked with the schools on the year long project in 2011. The project, called 'Choosing to Read', was a school-wide, research based literacy initiative, showing how access to 'just right' or 'high success' texts and time spent on reading can provide for student differentiation, and are crucial components for reading improvement. Further developments at these schools and others from 2012 onwards has acknowledged the sustainable nature of the research-based practices involved. Grant details Testimonials: "At John Hartley School B - 7, two year 3 classes, a year 4 class and a year 4/5 class have been involved with the 'Choosing to Read' program this year. The program has involved teacher professional development, working along side the consultant, reflection and sharing of practice. Staff involved with the program have shared their planning and comprehension startegies with the whole staff and have found the professional development to be informative and relevant. The discussions in particular have been invaluable. Students have been been involved in choosing 'just right books' and have been part of building classroom libraries in their respective learning areas. As a result, student interest and engagement in reading has increased and we are looking towards extending the program across the school. " Aiva Ositis Principal John Hartley School (B-7) "Swallowcliffe P-7 students and teachers in 4 of our year 3/4 classes have been involved in the Choosing to Read Program. Students have been supported and scaffolded to choose "just right books", books that they choose and enjoy, are at their appropriate level and they understand. Students have selected these texts, they were purchased and classroom libraries established. Over the past two terms their level of interest, excitement and engagement in reading just right books has risen dramatically. Teachers report a rapid development in student confidence and skill as a reader, particularly in their vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Teachers involved in the program have shared progress with other teachers in the school and many have now also established class libraries with students reading "just right books" using their own classroom budgets as they see the many benefits to student reading." Grant Small Principal Swallowcliffe Primary School |
