Application of Structured Literacy Teaching Years 0 - 3

Gain the knowledge and tools you need to implement Structured Literacy effectively and improve literacy outcomes for your students.

Comprehensive and Funded Training

Our professional learning and development (PLD) equips teachers with the skills and knowledge to implement a Structured Literacy approach in their classrooms. Aligned with the latest research in the science of learning and reading, our PLD is grounded in evidence-based practices and supports effective Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction.

This ongoing support is tailored to meet the needs of kaiako (teachers) working with students in Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8.

By completing our PLD, you will graduate with a Certification in 'Application of Structured Literacy Teaching'.

The PLD includes:

-Three Full-Day Workshops

Our workshops provide an in-depth understanding of the ‘why’ behind Structured Literacy, supported by research and evidence. You’ll learn how to integrate the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of teaching to ensure best practices for all students.

Face-to-Face Workshops (Days 1 and 2)
Held across New Zealand (plus an online option), these workshops focus on building foundational knowledge in the science of reading, learning theories (such as cognitive load theory and working memory), explicit instruction, and Structured Literacy principles.

Day 1 covers key concepts like orthographic mapping, models of reading instruction, and language processing.
Day 2 deepens understanding of the alphabetic principle, phonological awareness, syllable types, systematic spelling, and morphology. These sessions apply universally across Years 0–8.

Remote Real-Time Learning (Day 3)
On Day 3, targeted online sessions for Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8 focus on assessment practices aligned with year levels and curriculum phases.

-Ongoing Support: Community of Practice Sessions

After the workshops, you’ll receive ongoing support through eight 1.5-hour remote Community of Practice sessions, held approximately every fortnight. These online sessions help you deepen your knowledge and refine your practice. Sessions are organised by Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8 to ensure content is relevant and aligned with the Curriculum.

Topics Include:

Creating a roadmap for Structured Literacy implementation.
Using decodable texts in the foundational curriculum and Tier 2 instruction.
Aligning instructional practices with assessment data.
Refining literacy block structures.

You’ll also observe instructional videos in spelling, reading, and writing, helping you benchmark best practices for your own teaching.

Indicative Time Requirements

Support and Resources

Access to the iDeaL Schools Platform

During the PLD, participants will have temporary access to the iDeaL Schools Platform for a trial period to support/facilitate the application of their learning.

The platform's content aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and emphasises clear, systematic instruction for ākonga. Resources follow a systematic, cumulative scope and sequence per the iDeaL Approach. Assessments identify students' needs and strengths, determining their starting point for instruction.

By providing these assessments and resources, teachers can focus on building their knowledge and teaching.

Following the PLD, teachers should feel confident in their knowledge and practice, enabling them to effectively use evidence-based resources and assessments of their choice.

Support from iDeaL Coaches

Get support via phone or email, including guidance, feedback, and practical solutions for using the iDeaL Schools Platform

How to Register

Apply with the Ministry of Education to obtain your ARN (Application Reference Number), then secure your spot with us through the Learning MATTERS registration process (below).

Please note: You must apply to the Ministry of Education to be accepted and approved for an Application Reference Number (ARN) before registering with Learning MATTERS when the time comes. Application rounds for Cohort 3 close with the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, 13 November.

Added Benefits

Leadership Development

Our PLD enhances the leadership infrastructure within your kura, fostering sustainable and transformational change. The iDeaL Schools Platform provides access to essential leadership tools, including lesson checklists and an implementation matrix outlining progressive stages (Developing – Embedding – Sustaining).

Delivery Options to Support School Release

Cohort 3 PLD will commence in early 2025, starting with workshop days scheduled in January before Term 1 begins. This timing allows schools to utilise teacher-only days before the school year starts if preferred. We also offer PLD sessions beginning in February and March.

The below depicts an overview of proposed locations and timings:

Locations and Timings

Important Information

Registrations for Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 have now closed.

Applications for Cohort 3 are open with the MoE. Please check the MoE webpage for how to apply.

Remember, you need to register with the MoE to be accepted and approved for an Application Reference Number (ARN) before applying with Learning MATTERS when the time comes.

Cohort 3 | Term 1 (2025) Commencement

* When your application is submitted to Learning MATTERS, you will receive an automated email response. If you do not receive this email, then the booking is not confirmed. For any issues, please get in touch with our team.

PLD Commencing January 2025

Northland

Commences
21 January 2025