About the Inquiry
Inquiry into literacy and numeracy in ACT public schools
In November 2023, the ACT Government set up an independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy performance in the ACT. The inquiry was focused on teaching in ACT public schools.
Thank you to everyone who took part.
The Final Report
The Report provides the ACT Government with 8 future-focused key recommendations to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students, with a particular focus on equity.
The ACT Government has accepted all 8 recommendations in-principle.
Work will now commence with school leaders and key stakeholders to develop a phased implementation approach with a view to introducing some of these changes in time for the 2025 school year.
What was involved
The Expert Panel considered the best available evidence regarding:
- The relevant success factors for education systems that have effectively addressed equity issues in literacy and numeracy achievement.
- Class, whole-school and system-wide approaches and supports that have been proven to improve learning outcomes for all students at each stage of learning and development, including:
- pedagogical approaches
- diagnostic and assessment tools
- student, school and system data
- professional learning needs
- curriculum support, and
- leadership development.
- Specific approaches and supports that are relevant to the learning outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, neurodiverse learners, students with learning difficulties, students with disability and other equity cohorts.
- Effective and sustainable implementation methods, considering workload implications for educators, support staff and school leaders.
The Expert Panel considered the views of academics, educators, unions, parents and carers, and students.
A call for public submissions opened on 15 December 2023 and closed at midnight Wednesday 28 February 2024.
Stakeholder meetings and school visits were organised.
Consultation Report
The Panel will provide its Final Report to the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs by 30 April 2024. The report will be considered by Government and will be tabled in the Assembly by June 2024.
Implementation planning
The ACT Government has announced a $24.9 million investment over the next four years to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for students in ACT public schools.
The Strong Foundations Phase One Implementation Plan is now available on the Education Website.