Effective literacy practice

This section defines literacy and summarises the dimensions of effective literacy practice.

Definition of literacy

Literacy is the ability to use and understand those language forms required by society and valued by individuals and communities.

Ministry of Education. (2002). Literacy Leadership
in New Zealand Schools, (p. 6). Wellington: Learning Media.

Quality classroom teaching has the most influence on successful outcomes for students. While there will always be some students who need specialist teaching at some stage of their literacy journey, most students will become successful readers and writers if they experience high-quality teaching in their everyday classrooms.

Dimensions of effective practice

The evidence from national and international studies suggests that quality literacy teaching has the following features: