Since the establishment of various Education Acts during the late 1800s, Australia’s colonial school curriculum relied on books – referred to as readers – and monthly school newspapers, to establish and supplement skills in reading and writing. The focus was on English literature, history, and non-denominational moral values.
The teaching of English became the responsibility of schools. The learning of English was the responsibility of every citizen.
Becoming literate includes the ability to recognise and produce symbols – the 26 letters of the English alphabet. It’s also about the capacity to manipulate these letters, to construct words and to combine them with others to create meaning. In other words, becoming literate is about becoming a user of words, or vocabulary. Our everyday experiences continue to influence the vocabulary we acquire, understand and use.
Although the English language is more or less the same today as it was during the late 1800s, the teaching and learning of English has taken on a life of its own.
For example, schools have unwittingly allowed themselves to be hijacked by philosophies that offer an ‘either-or’ approach to the essentials of phonics and comprehension. As a result, they have been left with a deficit – either in phonics or comprehension, at best, or, at worst, in both.
Herein lies the dilemma.
The strategic direction taken by an individual school is the responsibility of the school council, which is made up of parents, teachers and community representatives. In other words, the school council is responsible for ensuring the effective teaching and learning of English.
Could it be then, that the political focus on phonics, comprehension and the teaching of English is misguided? What is required, perhaps, is a sharper focus on those responsible for driving a school’s strategic direction.
English hasn’t really changed since the establishment of Australian public education in the late nineteenth century. Teaching English remains the responsibility of schools and learning English is still the responsibility of every citizen.
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Lacey All rights reserved.
Parent, educationist and advocate of agitating change in Australian education. By raising the bar we can face any global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
Click here to learn how we can work together or contact me at cheryl@cheryllacey.com.
