Oral Language Leadership Foundations

Did you know that at the age of three, children from high socio-economic families have heard 30 million more words than those from low socio-economic families? The assumption that children entering school all have adequate oral language skills to learn is false and research shows that 20% of four year old children have difficulty understanding or using language. It is therefore no surprise that 20% of Australian children have difficulty with learning to read.

Research acknowledges the importance of oral language as a predictor of literacy competency and it is no co-incidence that children with strong oral language foundations generally go on to be competent readers and writers. Leaders need to ask themselves, “Is my school equipped to explicitly teach oral language?”

This PL will inspire and empower school leaders to ensure the delivery of high quality (evidence-based, systematic oral language instruction in their schools. Tracks to Literacy can then support your teachers and education assistants through the provision of high quality professional learning, teacher support and the dissemination of best practice tools and resources.

About Rosemary Simpson

Rosemary was the Principal at the North East Language Development Centre. She had the responsibility of providing support to over 180 mainstream schools, through the provision of PL, school planning and organisation.  She has an excellent understanding about the issues that face schools in trying to improve literacy.