Targeted structured literacy approaches and writing Years 7-10 PLD

One teacher (years 7-10) supporting literacy acceleration from any full primary, intermediate, area, composite or secondary school can enrol to attend this PLD. Inquiries to Cath Runga.

Tāwhirihia becomes the wind that strengthens and conditions – supporting learners who are no longer fledglings, but who still need guidance and ​momentum to soar higher. 

This course will:

• deepen your knowledge, understanding and expertise with the science of learning (SoL) and evidence-informed practices based on current research

• accelerate student progress in writing

• embed structured literacy approaches (SLA) for Year 7-10, including writing in your teaching

• develop your expertise in explicit teaching with a focus on targeted support for writing

• build your knowledge to effectively scaffold and accelerate instruction for learners with additional needs, including English language learners (ELLs)

• assist you to use diagnostic and formative assessment effectively to accelerate progress

• build your confidence and capability to influence wider practice, e.g. integrating literacy across curriculum areas by sharing what works across your school

• explore acceleration resources, including Ministry resources.

Your learning journey:

• Five full-day online workshops

• Eight one-hour online Community of Practice (CoPs) to reinforce strategies and share insights with peers

• Four one-hour small-group coaching sessions to apply learning in context

Cohort 4: workshop information

• Workshops locations for cohort 4 are Online, Tauranga and Hamilton

• We require a minimum number of participants for the course to proceed.

• Cohort 4 begins February 2027.

Register here

Impact on student achievement from acceleration projects

• 85% of Year 7 & 84% of Year 8 targeted students demonstrated accelerated progress in writing. Accelerating learning in literacy (ALL, 2025)

• The average score of Year 9 targeted students was seven times the expected shift in writing for the year level. (ALL, 2024)

• The average score of Year 10 targeted students was nine times the expected shift in writing for the year level. (ALL, 2024)

Meet the team

Learn from experts who live this mahi.
The team brings deep experience and knowledge in structured literacy approaches, acceleration, writing, and learning support. Each facilitator is committed to helping you create meaningful change for your learners.

Select a name below to read each facilitator’s bio.

• Cath Runga

• Janet McCarroll

• Laura Stutz

Register below

Please complete this short Expression of Interest form for cohort 4 starting Term 1 2027