SpeakOut_Oct2015_FINAL_lo res

BRANCH news queensland

As they say, timing is everything and the timing for us could not have been better. Here we were with a research and evidence- based program that supports the foundation skills of literacy, builds the capacity of teachers, and assists in the gathering and reporting of student data. Many of the schools implementing the program purchased additional SLP time to support class teachers in incorporating the targeted objectives and

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the Queensland Department of Education and Training (DET) are strengthening collaboration with school teams to establish effective language learning environments where highly focused interactive teaching takes place. Acknowledging the integral link between spoken language and learning, and the significant role of State School SLPs in supporting educational

Timing is everything!

outcomes for all students, an increasing number of schools are using discretionary funding to purchase additional SLT support. This support has been directed to services delivered within a whole school approach, and aimed at improving student achievement through the implementation of research and evidence-based programs and strategies. This increase in SLP time to schools has created an opportunity for increased professional collaboration and for SLPs to showcase the skills and knowledge they bring to the teaching and learning environment. SLPs across Prep, Primary and Special schools have engaged with school teams to develop and implement a range of curriculum supports to build the spoken language and literacy skills of all students. To strengthen students’ early foundations in language and literacy, and enhance teachers’ skills in shared book reading and differentiated instruction, Metropolitan Region SLPs have adapted a program idea from the United States to develop an authorised thirty week program that provides a systematic, explicit and flexible approach to building students’ skills in four key areas of language and literacy: vocabulary, narrative, phonological awareness and print knowledge. The program is based on high quality research, has evidence to support its efficacy and effectiveness, and considers many aspects of language and literacy development within a sound pedagogical framework. The modified program supports the Australian Curriculum for the foundation year of schooling. This program was introduced in 2013 and in that year alone was taken up by approximately 70 schools in this region. The 2014 school year began and three weeks into Term 1, DET announced its Great Results Guarantee initiative, providing discretionary funding to schools to develop evidence-based programs that respond to the needs of students and return a high yield in terms of improved student outcomes.

Ideally located within Australian Hearing – Mt Gravatt are two consulting rooms, to be leased separately or together, furnished or unfurnished. These are part of the larger suite of offices used by Australian Hearing. The rooms would suit a speech pathologist or other health professionals, as there is scope for referral opportunities from our large existing client base. Mt Gravatt is one of the two early intervention centres in Brisbane for newly diagnosed children. We have a strong long standing client base and great stakeholder relationships within primary health care. The rooms are available immediately for both short and long term rent. Included: • Electricity • Secure entry with 24/7 access • Free parking for patients and staff Benefits: • Patient access to reception and waiting areas • Directly across the road from Westfield Garden City • Close to major transport links with the bus hub at Garden City • Well maintained and a long standing lease is in place Please direct all enquiries to Darran Ginn, Manager, Australian Hearing, Mt Gravatt. Two Consultation Rooms to Rent Australian Hearing – Mt Gravatt, QLD differentiation strategies into their teaching practice. This additional time allocation allowed State School SLPs to actively engage in the teaching and learning environment and develop a truly integrated service delivery model – combining the classroom teacher’s expertise in curriculum, classroom management and group instruction with the SLPs knowledge in spoken language, explicit teaching and differentiated instruction. While this was at times challenging for both teachers and SLPs, data gathered over the year indicated an increased understanding of the integral links between spoken language and literacy and of the value of strong collaborative partnerships between the SLP and the school team in delivering improved learning outcomes for all students. Exciting times indeed! Jennifer Peach Senior Advisor: Speech Language Therapy, Queensland Department of Education and Training • Heating and Ventilation • Telephones if required

Email: darran.ginn@hearing.com.au Phone: 07 3347 4200 / 0408 318 468

Speak Out October 2015

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au