Designing, Implementing and Monitoring Literacy Interventions

Session 1: Group Discussion on School Based Assessment

Principals shared what strategies and assessment instruments were being used within their school as a result of the Homework Tasks set for Module 3.

Session 2a: Features of Successful Interventions (from the Research)

This session explored the concept of intervention and reports on interventions which have been regarded as successful in that they achieved and sustained intended effects.

(No materials handed out but this session can be viewed on Neil’s video with the accompanying PowerPoint.)

Session 2b: Introduction to Intervention – Wave Theory

This handout explores the concept of the Intervention “Wave” Theory using relevant research literature and international professional practice.

Intervention Tiers, Levels or Waves

Session 3: The Leadership for Learning Blueprint and How it Relates to Interventions

This handout links each of the elements of the Leadership for Learning Blueprint to the three Waves / Tiers/ Level introduced in the previous session.

The Blueprint Intervention Waves and their Focus

This handout identifies the critical factors (touchstones) which support interventions and aligns each factor with the relevant Leadership for Learning Blueprint dimension.

The Leadership for Learning Blueprint and Intervention Touchstones

Session 4: Features of Successful “Literacy Schools” and Implementation of the Wave Approach to Intervention

This handout developed by Deslea Konza outlines teaching strategies for each of the three WAVES using the Big Six.

Wave 1 – Core Whole Group Teaching
Wave 2 – Supplementary Instruction
Wave 3 – Intensive Individualised Intervention

Three Waves of Interventions_Preschool – Year 7

Deslea provided a comprehensive sample of a 90 minute lesson plan for Wave 1 students (core whole group) integrating each component of the Big Six.

Sample Literacy Blocks For The Primary Years

The next two handouts were used to introduce Principals to the understanding of the percentages of students in each Wave (1, 2 and 3) in a “typical” school and in their own setting.

The second sheet Principals were given asks them to identify the number of students in their school in Waves 1, 2 and 3. The session involved a tabled discussion.

Approximate Wave Percentages in a Typical School and Wave Percentages in Your School (whole school or selected year level)

The next handout of a sample literacy teaching guide came from the Supporting Improved Literacy Achievement Project (SILA) in the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) in South Australia

Sample Literacy Block Reception – Year 2

Sample Literacy Block Years 3-7

Session 5: Preparing to Use an Intervention Planning Template

This was a template Principals could use to implement the Wave theory in their school. It helps Principals to plan, implement and monitor intervention strategies in their school.

Principals’ Intervention Planning Schedule

This sheet was provided to offer further support for schools when planning their literacy intervention(s). It highlights the key features of effective interventions.

A Literacy Intervention Planning Checklist

These were exemplars from schools previously involved in the PALL program.

PALL Sample Intervention Plan Summaries

Session 6: Follow Up Activity / Homework Task

Principals were asked to work with their staff on their return to refine the planning of their Wave Intervention Action.