On the pathway to creating a culture of writing

An analysis of NAPLAN tests which have shown a steady decrease in writing skills over the past several years (ACARA, 2017) has demonstrated a compelling need to address student performance in writing. Smaller regional schools, in particular, need resources to improve writing instruction (Bartholomaeus, 2013). This presentation will share how a partnership developed between academics from a university and the staff at a regional primary school to discuss ways to improve student performance in writing. In addition, presenters will share ideas on how to build teacher capability around teaching writing. A yearlong professional development plan was developed to meet the goals of the primary school’s Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). Lecturers from a university worked with the teachers to develop a culture of writing where students could feel comfortable to take risks in writing, where teachers provide effective feedback that led to growth in the students’ writing skills, where a common writing nomenclature is utilised for consistency across year levels, and where the learning process is celebrated rather than just the final product. Presentation attendees will learn about the journey we took and leave with ideas they can implement in their schools and classrooms.