Q and A written by Mrs P

What is growth?

Growth constitutes a student moving from one phase of learning to the next.

How is growth measured?

Growth is measured against a list of criteria that are based on the expected norms of a student.

How is growth proved?

Growth is proved with multiple observations and work samples against the criteria.

Where does the criteria come from?

The criteria comes from the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum outlines expected norms of a student called Stage Statements. There are Stage Statements for students at the end of Kinder, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6. The Stage Statement is broken into outcomes. The behaviours expected from students at different levels are called Learning Progressions.

So what is a Learning Progression used for?

A Learning Progression is a tool teachers use to move students along in their learning. Knowing what behaviour is expected next allows teachers to tailor their questioning to move students along.

How does this happen in Kindergarten to Year 2?

Lessons are planned based on where the students are at in relation to the progressions. The progressions are used as a guide for next teaching steps.

How long does it take to move students along the progressions?
How long is a piece of string? Every learner is different. Progression does not occur over night, learning occurs (progression) when students; elicit learning behaviours, are engaged in learning, when the experience; is pitched at the level of the learner, is meaningful, is able to cater for all levels of learning, when teachers; have a strong relationship with the student, question at the level of the students, invite further exploration, offer next steps to the learner.