Professional Learning
better start literacy approach Microcredentials
The Better Start Literacy Approach is a structured approach to literacy instruction for Year 0 - 2/3 classrooms. The approach is based on several years of research trials investigating the most efficient and effective methods to support children’s early reading, writing and oral language success. It incorporates vocabulary development using quality children’s story books, structured teaching of critical phonological awareness skills and letter-sound knowledge through fun, game-based activities, activities making explicit links to the reading and spelling context, and structured small group reading sessions using the new Ready to Read – Phonics Plus early readers series.
To read an update on the data from the national implementation of our successful structured literacy approach, see here.
Funding Opportunity
There are three separate microcredential options available for schools or specialists wishing to implement Better Start Literacy Approach in their school or cluster - facilitator, teacher or teacher aide.
The Ministry of Education is funding places within the Better Start Literacy Approach microcredentials as part of their early literacy professional support.
In one funding rounds per year, the Ministry of Education will be inviting schools, Kāhui Ako and clusters to apply for this professional support for new entrant, Year 1 and Year 2/3 teachers, along with a nominated literacy specialist, through their PLD website. Literacy specialists include RTLits, Kāhui Ako Cross-community Leads, School Literacy Leads, Learning Support Coordinators and RTLBs with a strong literacy background. Visit the Ministry of Education website for details on funding rounds and how to apply.
For Frequently Asked Questions about microcredentials, click here.
For more information about the Ministry of Education funding opportunity, click here.
Find out more about the three different microcredential pathways, by choosing from the buttons below.