Professional Learning
Better Start Literacy Approach Microcredential for Teachers
Effective literacy teaching in a child’s first year at school can set them on a pathway to later academic and life success. The Better Start Literacy Approach incorporates the best practices for literacy teaching in phonological awareness, letter sound knowledge and oral language, with small group reading using a systematic reading series. This course provides a practice-focused learning experience of evidence-based literacy instruction to ensure success for all early learners. Extensive coaching and mentoring support will be provided through a partnership with a Facilitator in your community. The microcredential includes access to online, self-directed learning covering all aspects of the approach. In addition, teachers will gain access to the approach’s online assessment and teaching materials, including resources and lesson plans for classroom and small group reading teaching using the Ready to Read – Phonics Plus early readers.
Any teacher wanting to complete this microcredential must be partnered with a new or previously trained Facilitator, whose name must be declared at the time of registration.
Ministry of Education funding will be available in 2021-2023 for facilitators and teachers to complete the BSLA microcredentials.
For Frequently Asked Questions about microcredentials, click here.
To view the Scope and Sequence, click here.
For details on the activities and time requirements for Teachers during the microcredential training, click here.
For more information about the Ministry of Education funding opportunity, click here.
Ministry Funded places
Funding covers:
Microcredential fee
2 x days of teacher release
Resource kete
Access to all online resources, lesson plans, game activities, assessments, data analysis and reporting.
Coaching and mentoring from a BSLA Facilitator
Privately Funded places
Cost:
The microcredential fee, resource kete, online resources, lesson plans, game activities, assessments and data analysis and reporting. Exact costing available on enquiry.
Schools supporting teachers to complete this microcredential are recommended to fund two days of teacher release time to support training and planning of the approach