Curriculum and Assessment in Primary Literacy

In this unit you will engage in an exploration of curriculum, assessment and reporting, focusing on literacy in a primary school setting. This exploration will be framed within the paradigm of 21st century understandings and practices of powerful learning and teaching. The unit will enable you to enhance your awareness of historical, political and global influences on curriculum, assessment and reporting in literacy. In addition you will develop an ability to apply current assessment and reporting practices in literacy to an advanced level. Through reflective practices and self-analysis, you will develop an individualised, personal action plan that is responsive to your own needs and strengths leading into and during the final placement. This specialised primary knowledge will also equip you with the necessary skills to effectively implement effective expert teaching and learning strategies during your final primary placement. Through a literacy lens you will also demonstrate an ability to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of literacy in ways that facilitate inclusive and innovative classroom activities;
• Continue to develop advanced knowledge of literacy in ways that allow you to effectively respond to assessment and reporting data in this learning area.

Your work in this unit will provide you with the opportunity to choose and use range of resources that can assist you in planning implementing and evaluating effective student learning. You will also develop your skills in keeping accurate and reliable records of students’ work and progress. Your professional acumen and expert knowledge in literacy will be further demonstrated by your in-depth knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements in education in this area. You will demonstrate your ability to access professional development in your specialised field and use relevant and appropriate sources that facilitate effective student learning. This unit links with the course intentions of equipping preservice teachers with expert content knowledge in literacy. The unit also connects with the course learning outcomes of demonstrating an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge of content, pedagogy, curriculum and assessment in relation to literacy.