New Zealand: Conference led by UK literacy academics

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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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New Zealand: Conference led by UK literacy academics

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UK experts - is phonics the tonic to improve literacy?
http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/5/294257
New Zealand teachers keen to hear about the latest research on literacy and learning will be at the conference

Is more phonics in the early stages of schooling the best way to help youngsters learn to read? Two top UK educators will be in New Zealand next month to talk about teaching reading, writing and spelling - and the positive impact of early phonics teaching.

Professor Rhona Stainthorp and Associate Professor Daisy Powell, from the University of Reading, will discuss their work at the forefront of the UK education system’s push to address falling literacy, and how introducing phonics at the start of schooling is markedly improving reading achievement.

They will be presenting at the inaugural conference of Massey’s Language and Literacy Research Group. It is designed for all teachers, literacy leaders, RTLBs (Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour), RTLits (Resource Teachers of Literacy), literacy intervention professionals and anyone who works with children at any age, who are learning to read.

Conference co-organiser Dr Alison Arrow says the UK curriculum focus is on phonics in the first year, with children undertaking a nation-wide phonics test to identify those who are struggling and where teaching is not up to standard.

The visiting professors have addressed areas where the results were lower than the national expectations, Dr Arrow says. "The national mandate for teaching phonics has led to positive outcomes, particularly for children who start school most at risk of having difficulty in learning to read," she says.
Conference information:

October 10: 8.45am to 4.30pm - Auckland (Albany campus), Atrium Building.

October 12: 8.45am - 4.30pm - Manawatū campus, Japanese Lecture Theatre.

To register, follow the link: www.massey.ac.nz/literacy-conference
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