Dr Deslea Konza - Associate Professor of Language and Literacy, Director of the Fogarty Learning Centre, Edith Cowan University

Reforming Literacy, Reforming Lives

Synopsis: The short and long-term effects of poor literacy skills on individuals, families and communities have been well documented, therefore primary schools have a strong responsibility to ensure that all their students acquire the skills that will ensure that they can participate fully in society. Recent research suggests that while many high achieving students in Australia are faring well by international comparisons, the gap between their performance and that of lower-achieving students is increasing. National testing reveals that the achievement gap in our Western Australian students mirrors this trend. We need a new way of looking at literacy teaching in WA if we are to provide the best literacy learning environment for all our students.

Keynote