Queechy Alliance
The Middle Years Literacy Project (MYLP) has been a three year Department of Education funded initiative which the Queechy Alliance (QA) started in 2018. Two weeks ago I attended the State wide celebration of Middle Years projects where 13 Associations were represented, sharing the successes and challenges of their projects. There has been some amazing work happening across the state focussing on reading, writing, student engagement, instructional models and student voice to name a few.
Below is a snapshot of our QA MYLP journey that was shared at the event:
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Construction and implementation of an Instructional Model
- Development of Support Materials for the Instructional Model – now electronic
- QA PL - Consistent, aligned key messages for all QA staff co-created by In-School Leaders
- Networking and collaborating across schools
- Teacher planning using instructional model
- Consistent communication and processes within meetings and professional learning
- Shared understanding regarding direction, content and an agreed common language
- Access to experts: Pamela Macklin - School Improvement Consultant, Vic Zbar, Anne Bayetto
- Inclusion of Launceston Big Picture School and Newstead College into the QA
DATA
Teacher responses to School Improvement survey:
|
|
Features |
2018 Total Average |
2019 Total Average |
2020 Total Average |
|
Stage 1 Preconditions for whole school improvement |
Strong leadership that is shared |
3.1 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
|
High levels of expectations and efficacy (staff and students) |
3.1 |
3.1 |
3.3 |
|
|
Ensuring an orderly and supportive learning environment |
3.3 |
3 |
3.2 |
|
|
A focus on what matters most |
2.9 |
3 |
3.2 |
|
|
Stage 2 Building Teacher Capacity
|
There is a shared view of effective teaching |
2.7 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
|
An instructional model is used to guide teacher planning of lessons |
2.5 |
3.4 |
3.5 |
|
|
Structures are in place to support collaborative planning |
3.1 |
3.5 |
3.6 |
|
|
The focus of planning is improved lessons in all classrooms |
2.5 |
3 |
3.3 |
|
|
Stage 3 Drilling down to improve classroom practice |
Data and evidence are used to inform teaching |
3.1 |
3.1 |
3.3 |
|
Learning goals provide the focus for all lesson planning and delivery |
2.7 |
3.2 |
3.4 |
|
|
Feedback is used to inform teaching and improve student outcomes |
2.4 |
2.8 |
3.4 |
|
|
Lessons are differentiated to meet the full range of student needs |
3 |
3.2 |
3.1 |
1 = Not evident, 2 = Sometimes evident, 3 = Often evident and 4 = Always evident
Student responses to Instructional Model interview:
- "The Success Criteria and Learning Intentions have been displayed on a powerpoint or on the board before we start the lesson and we have posters around the classroom to guide us..."
- "We know what to do to succeed in learning..."
- "It makes me concentrate more; I get better feedback on how to improve my reading."
- "I like the feedback that I get and the learning intentions so I know how to improve."
SUSTAINABILITY (2021-2022)
- QA Principals' Agreements: Funding of a Coordinator to continue the work of the QA, organisational processes, creation of a Data Team
- Professional learning focus: Formative Assessment and Effective Feedback; High impact reading approaches
- Key roles and responsibilities: Board of Principals, In-School Leaders, Coordinator and Teachers
- Strategic Plan Goals:
- The Instructional Model is implemented effectively in all classrooms K-12
- Consistent, high quality teaching and learning of reading is implemented effectively in all classrooms K-12
The consistent leadership and clear direction of the QA has definitely contributed to the effective change of teaching practice which supports our students to be more successful learners. Whilst the funding will cease at the end of 2020, the Board of Principals have agreed to contribute finance from their own school funds to employ a Coordinator for 2021. I am excited to announce that the Coordinator for 2021 is Abbi Dean. The work of the Queechy Alliance will continue to perform at a high level due to Abbi’s experience as In-School Leader for the duration of the 2018-2020 project and previously working in the Connect 6 Association. We wish Abbi all the best as she works with the Principals and leads the In-School Leaders in achieving the future goals of the QA.
If you have any questions or queries about the MYLP please contact your In-School Leader.
Norwood – Zoe Marshall
Belinda Simpson
QA MYLP Coordinator