PLD Online (School Leaders – How to implement PLD successfully) Dianne Riggs

Key: 

PLD = Primary Literacy Development

SSP = Supports Sythetic Phonics

PLD targets phonologal and phonemic awareness. As well as alphabetical sound recognition. 

Work with 3 targetted teaching groups. Early intervention is crucial. Teachers can't wait till end of the term or mid year. 

 PLD Tracking Sheet

Completing and tracking students' progress on the tracking sheet is important for the success of the programme. 

RED FLAGS:

* Early Years students, showing no progress, between mid and end-of-term testing. 

* Term 1 data is entered, however after term 1, the process is abandoned. 

* The PLD sheet shows no variation in the test scores. 

* When does the 85% rule apply and what are the exceptions? 

* Test results converted into percentages but no colour filling of cells, (in the year 1 - 6 spreadsheet)

* Results have been entered and colour filling of the cells has occurred, however, the students have not been arranged into 3 targetted groups. 

* Students placed on inappropriate levels/stages rather than targetted groups. 

* Results entered and class arranged into targetted teaching groups, but the highlighting does not reflect clear 'group' teaching targets.

GREEN FLAGS:

* Students are not sorted alphabetically but into 3 ability groupings. 

* Data is entered consistently each term.

* The majority of the students are showing improvement between each cycle of teaching and screening. 

What is the benefits of PLD SSP ?

* International research proves that children that are off to a poor start in Literacy at the start of their schooling, rarely catch up. 

* 3 tiered framework: 

* Synthetic Phonics is the most effective method of literacy instruction, according to international research. 

It's important to report every term on the progress of each class and discuss different situations. 

It is recommended that the tracking sheet is not used in an Excel format but rather an iCloud format. 

Foundation Phase

* The foundation phase is critical for developing good reading and spelling patterns in students. Teaching it well in foundation years will prevent remedial from happening later. 

* Students should obtain an 85% or higher level before moving on to the next level. 

* Even though there is an 85% rule, space is created for teachers to use their discretion in deciding which groups students should be in. 

* Don't only look at one level, look at multi-levels when deciding the groups. 

* Students might obtain 75% in level 1 and 50% in level 3, then rather move a student to level 2 instead of keeping them back in level 1. 

Year 3,4,5,6

* Aim to increase students' ability within 12 months in a 4-term school year. 

* Progress is attainable if attendance is adequate

* If cognition is in the normal range

* If classroom tests have been completed correctly

*And if the teaching process is well designed and delivered