Targeted structured literacy approaches and writing Years 7-10 PLD
This fully funded Ministry PLD is for specialist literacy teachers in intermediate and secondary schools.
One teacher per school is eligible for Ministry funding. Additional teachers can participate through school funded registrations. 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 or face to face 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
Rural and remote schools are supported through a blended learning approach. We invite schools to attend workshops 1 and 2 in Hamilton, Rotorua, or Tauranga, with workshops 3–5 delivered online.
Cohort 1: workshop dates and locations
We require a minimum number of participants for the course to proceed.
Schools will need to arrange and fund teacher release for the five full-day workshops.
Cohort 1 begins Term 2, 2026. Registrations close on 10th April.
[cohort tiles to registration pages to go 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.
