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Pupil Inclusion Network

28th October,2008

Fiona Norris

Literacy within CfE

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Outline

1. Literacy Within CfE

2. Developing practice within schools and

establishments

3. Next steps?

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Setting the scene - why change?

The National Debate - we valued• The flexibility which already exists in the Scottish system• The combination of breadth and rigour offered by the

curriculum guidance• The quality of teaching • The comprehensive principle

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Common Points from Review Groups

The National Debate – we wanted Better connections between the stages Balance 'academic' and 'vocational' subjects - skills for now

and future More how to teach than what to teach - retain effective

practice Strong emphasis on enjoyment and development of

understanding Assessment fit for purpose – AifL

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...solve problems

...plan and organise

...work with others

...think critically & creatively

...use initiative

...lead ..to learn..take risks

The ability

to

The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2007

Skills for Scotland – A Lifelong Skills Strategy

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Literacy across the Curriculum• The literacy experiences and outcomes apply across the

curriculum, in all aspects of learning and all subject areas

• All practitioners in each sector, in each department and in all settings therefore have a responsibility to develop, reinforce and extend the skills which are set out in the literacy experiences and outcomes

• For further information refer to Building the Curriculum 1

What do we mean by literacy?

• UNESCO, statement for the United Nations literacy decade, 2003 – 20012

Literacy is about more than reading and writing – it is about how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, about knowledge, language and culture. Literacy…itself takes many forms: on paper, on the computer screen on TV, on posters and signs. Those who use literacy take it for granted – but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today’s world. Indeed it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of ‘ Literacy as Freedom.’

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Scottish definition of literacy

Literacy is the set of skills which allows an individual to engage fully in society and in learning, through the different forms of language which society values and finds useful.

Literacy and English cover paper 2008

Why include listening and talking?• Language, and especially spoken language, builds connections

in the brain; especially during the early years• Spoken language is humankind’s main means of

communication

• Listening and talking builds relationships, confidence, a sense of self

• Language and the development of thought are inseparable – ‘how do I know what I think until I hear what I say?

• Democracies need citizens who can argue, reason, question• Research shows that high quality talking and listening

increases pupils’ attention and motivation – they like learning better when they are able to talk about their learning.

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Definition of Texts

‘a text is the medium through which ideas, experiences, opinions and information can be communicated.’

Literacy and English cover paper 2008

• Wider definition – not just conventional print• “Texts” used throughout framework• Includes non-continuous prose – charts,

graphs…

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Where are we now?

• Analysis of feedback received through consultation, engagement and trialling

• Further consultation on next steps – eg

adjustments to outcomes and experiences;

decisions re exemplification and CPD pathways

Literacy/Numeracy across the Curriculum

......... opportunities within interdisciplinary studies.

......... opportunities within curricular areas.

Having discussed the variety of ways and range of media used to present data, I can interpret and draw conclusions from the information displayed, recognising that the presentation may be misleading. MNU 232W

I can work collaboratively, making appropriate use of technology, to source information presented in a range of ways, interpret what it conveys and discuss whether I believe the information to be robust, vague or misleadingMNU325

Having determined which calculations are needed ,I can solve problems involving whole numbers using a range of methods, sharing my approaches and solutions with othersMNU 203C

What are Local Authorities doing to promote literacy?

A number of LAs have developed intervention strategies which share features with W. Dunbartonshire, eg:

• Using synthetic phonics programme – many LAs in particular – Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh

• Monitoring through standardised assessment – E. Renfrewshire, Edinburgh

• Working with parents – Argyll and Bute

At present, there are a number of innovative approaches to developing good literacy practices eg:

Inverclyde: Talking Round Corners – using dialogic

strategies to improve listening and talking, impacting on reading and writing.

E. Dunbartonshire: Reading Intervention TeamFife, E Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Edinburgh – creation

of ‘literacy leaders’North Lanarkshire : Active literacy programmeSouth Lanarkshire: Literature CirclesEdinburgh, Angus, Glasgow : paired readingEast Ayrshire: Using collaborative approaches to

improve basic literacy skills.Glasgow: early years nurture groups

What should our next steps be? CfE presents us with a great opportunity to make a real

and lasting improvement to classroom learners’ literacy experiences.

• What further steps can we take, to bring about a shared and sustained understanding of the best ways to improve literacy throughout Scotland ?

• What do you think your contribution should be?