In brief:

• The Strong Foundations program is helping every public school deliver a consistent approach to learning.
• In 2026, all ACT public schools will be using evidence-informed methods to teach literacy and numeracy.
• Literacy and numeracy leaders are guiding its implementation in ACT public schools.

ACT public schools are working to develop a system-wide approach to learning.

This means in 2026, all ACT public schools will be using evidence-informed methods to teach literacy and numeracy.

Newly appointed literacy and numeracy leaders guide this work. These are workers in early childhood and primary schools across Canberra.

‘I’m excited to take on this role,” Calwell Primary School’s Alyssa Owen said.

‘I’m keen to see how we can build on the good work we are doing. I know we can incorporate engaging, hands-on ways to make learning meaningful and accessible for all students.’

Literacy and numeracy leaders come together

The ACT public school literacy and numeracy leaders met in March for their first session.

Professor Barney Dalgarno is the Executive Dean of the University of Canberra. He is also Chair of the ACT Literacy and Numeracy Education Expert Panel.

He spoke to the leadership group and explained the Expert Panel’s 8 recommendations and key findings for literacy and numeracy.

He discussed how the findings can be successfully implemented in K–6 classrooms in all ACT public schools.

These literacy and numeracy leaders will help lead the Strong Foundations program into schools.

Benefits for students and teachers

Alyssa and her ACT colleagues will continue to meet throughout the year. They will discuss curriculum, teaching strategies and lesson planning. It is something she looks forward to.

‘Strong Foundations will provide valuable professional learning opportunities for our teachers. I can see how the consistency across classrooms will help create a seamless learning experience for students,’ she said.

‘I’m doing this because every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence in reading, writing and mathematics. I want to support my colleagues to make learning engaging and accessible for all our students at Calwell.’

Learn more about Strong Foundations on the ACT Education Directorate website.

Read more like this

• Strengthening literacy and numeracy education in ACT public schools
• Strong Foundations literacy and numeracy resources grants launch
• Equity Fund reaches $3 million milestone

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