Summary

When your child is struggling, it becomes even more important for you to know what program the school is using to teach literacy and how they monitor and report progress. Also what program they use for literacy intervention. It’s also important for the school to explain how they plan to help your child and how they plan to communicate it with you.  

Some specific questions to ask your school

1. Teacher Instruction

Is there a specific program in place for literacy intervention, what is it and is it evidenced-based?

Are teachers and support staff trained and qualified to deliver the program and do they follow it with fidelity?

How do teachers differentiate instruction for students at different skill levels? 

2.  Assessment and Identification

How do you assess students’ reading and writing skills?

What specific assessments have been done for my child?

How often are students assessed, and how is progress monitored?

3. Support and Interventions

What intervention or support program is available for students struggling with reading and writing?

Is the intervention or support program evidenced based?

Are the teachers and support staff trained in the program being used for intervention/support?

How often will my child receive this additional support, and for how long?

4. Progress Communication

How will the school communicate my child’s progress in reading and writing?

How often will I receive updates, and in what format?

5. Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)

If applicable, does my child have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for literacy support?

How are goals set and reviewed for my child’s ILP?

6. Next Steps and Long-Term Support

If progress is slow, what are the next steps?

What long-term support is available if my child continues to struggle with reading and writing?

The Most Important Question

I hope these questions help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the school’s approach to teaching and how they can help your child improve their reading and writing skills. It can help to make a note of these questions before your meeting or even forward them to the principal/support co-ordinator before you meet.  

The most important question in my opinion is “does the school use an evidenced based literacy program and are teachers and support staff trained in that program?”

You can read more about evidenced based programs here.