Date
15 March 2024

Develop schoolwide systems for identification and support

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Develop a schoolwide approach’

Early identification systems

Early identification systems

Researcher Sue Dymock and principal Fiona Bradley explain the purpose and processes for screening, teacher training, ongoing monitoring, and assessment to support successful learning.

Develop an agreed pathway for identifying student needs

Develop an agreed pathway for identifying student needs

Take a collaborative approach with literacy leaders, SENCOs, and learning support coordinators. Work together to develop a clearly understood pathway for identifying and supporting the needs of all learners, including those with dyslexia, across your school or cluster.

Consider:

  • how initial concerns expressed by a classroom teacher or parent will be recorded, addressed, and followed-up
  • what processes and tools will be employed for identifying students not progressing as expected with literacy learning – the Ministry recommend the process in The New Zealand Dyslexia Handbook (pages 61-75) as an interim tool while further more comprehensive resources are developed 
  • how support will be coordinated across the school and between schools in your cluster
  • your process for accessing additional support and teacher training to ensure early intervention and ongoing support
  • your process and tools for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and targeted interventions.

Identify ways to gather information

Identify ways to gather information

Formalise your schoolwide process.

Use the kohikohi model to deepen your understanding of each student’s needs.

11789 [Kohikohi.jpg]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Integrating supports

Integrating supports

Te Tūāpapa is a way of integrating effective schoolwide approaches for all with targeted and tailored supports that address specific learning needs, including for students with dyslexia. 

Record and share information

Record and share information

John Robinson reflects on the value of using the SMS to share information about students between staff and using e-portfolios to share information with parents.

Useful resources

Useful resources

Dyslexia check chart

Dyslexia check chart

A checklist for quality evidence-based practice in New Zealand schools for students who present with literacy learning differences such as dyslexia.

Publisher: Learning Matters

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop a schoolwide approach”:

Return to the guide “Dyslexia and learning”

Guide to Index of the guide: Dyslexia and learning

Strategies for action:

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