Resource Teachers: Literacy

Guidelines

Introduction

These guidelines provide up-to-date information about the work and management of RT:Lits for principals, cluster schools, and RT:Lits themselves.

Each RT:Lit is based at a host school and works across a designated cluster of schools. They support the schools within their cluster, working with students who experience literacy difficulties and with their classroom teachers.

RT:Lits are successful teachers of literacy. It is from this core of experience that the service develops. RT:Lits also undertake further training and professional development in order to ensure the long-term success of the service. As a requirement of the position, every RT:Lit completes a specialist training programme approved by the Ministry of Education.

Memorandum of Agreement

The Ministry of Education and the RT:Lit's host school sign a Memorandum of Agreement. The schools in the RT:Lit's cluster are also listed in the Memorandum.

Signed copies of the Memorandum are held by the host school, the local Ministry of Education office, National Operations of the Ministry of Education, and each literacy centre. Each of the cluster schools is sent a copy.

When an RT:Lit position becomes vacant, the host school consults with the Ministry of Education before advertising that position. A new Memorandum can be signed if necessary.

Host school

The role of the host school is to:

employ the RT:Lit
provide advice and assistance to the RT:Lit that reflects the policy direction of the Ministry of Education's Literacy Strategy
establish a management committee to administer the RT:Lit service
manage the cluster budgets and funding for the RT:Lit
appraise the performance of the RT:Lit in meeting the professional standards and their key tasks
be accountable to the Ministry of Education for the effective, efficient, and equitable operation of the RT:Lit's programme
ensure that the RT:Lit undertakes the required training and has access to agreed study leave.

Management committee

All clusters have a management committee comprising the members listed in Schedule D of the Memorandum of Agreement. The committee develops policies, manages the RT:Lit, and ensures the provision of the RT:Lit service to all the cluster schools.

The role of the management committee is to:

develop enrolment, referral, and withdrawal policies and processes, in consultation with the cluster schools, that reflect the policy direction of the Ministry of Education's Literacy Strategy and guidelines
establish operational procedures for the RT:Lit that are consistent with the agreed policies
inform the cluster schools served by the RT:Lit of enrolment, referral, and withdrawal processes
liaise and work co-operatively with appropriate professional agencies
ensure that the management committee's policies on the use of cluster funding are followed by the host school board
regularly report to the host school board through the host school principal
promote all aspects of equity
support the professional development of the RT:Lit
ensure the RT:Lit undertakes professional development and the required training and has access to study leave
receive, at each meeting of the management committee, a report from the RT:Lit on their service provision
ensure that an annual statistical report, in an agreed format, is sent to the Ministry of Education by the due date.

Cluster schools

In order for the RT:Lit to work with a child in a cluster school, they need to have a suitable place to teach in.

This is a health and safety issue. The space should:

be the same place every day
have sufficient light, heating, and ventilation
have a table and two chairs of suitable height for the teacher and the child
be a place where the RT:Lit and the child are not disturbed by constant interruptions.

Budget

Each year, the RT:Lit will prepare and present a detailed budget to the host school board of trustees and the management committee.

The budget should take into account:

funding to the host school for administration costs
travel
the purchase of new material - books, materials, and so on
professional development (other than the approved RT:Lit postgraduate training).

Accident insurance cover

The RT:Lit's personal car insurance policy is expected to cover insurance costs in the event of an accident that occurs while using their own vehicle for work purposes. RT:Lits should check this coverage with their insurance company. The reimbursement rate is intended to cover insurance payments.

Financial reporting

Each management committee must ensure that appropriate financial processes are in place. RT:Lit funding must be included in the host school's annual financial statements.

The RT:Lit's host school is responsible for day-to-day financial systems and procedures for expenditure and reimbursement. Each RT:Lit should budget for depreciation and the ongoing replacement of resources. Host schools will prepare regular reports of spending against the budget of the management committee meetings.

Reimbursement requests must be accompanied by a receipt.

Sick leave

Because the RT:Lit positions are itinerant, a reliever should not be necessary if the absence is for short periods.

Should there be a long-term absence, host schools should consult with the local Ministry of Education office about employing a reliever.

Performance management system

The host school principal is responsible for the management of the RT:Lit's performance. A performance agreement that is the base document for the annual appraisal is signed at the beginning of each year. This describes annual targets and goals negotiated by the RT:Lit and the host school principal.

The RT:Lit will meet the professional standards designed for RT:Lits.

Complaints against RT:Lits

Any complaints against RT:Lits must be made through the host school principal.

Every complaint will be investigated by the host school principal, who will keep the RT:Lit fully informed.

If the complaint is of a serious nature, it will be forwarded to the management committee after the RT:Lit receives written notification of the complaint and the complaints procedure.

A complaints sub-committee will be set up and will comprise:

at least one member of the management committee (who is not a member of the host school or the school making the complaint)
one member of the host school board of trustees
the principal of the host school.

The board of trustees of the host school is to be informed of any investigation by the complaints sub-committee and of its findings.

Any competency or disciplinary procedures are to follow the process laid down in the appropriate collective employment agreement and are to be enacted by the host school board of trustees.

Office equipment

The RT:Lit needs:

office space – curtained, heated, and with power points
an office table or desk for tutoring and office administration
an ergonomic chair and chairs for student use
a telephone
a computer
shelving for books and records
lockable filing cabinet
a clock
stationery.

They also need access to:

a photocopier
a fax machine
a toilet
tea-making facilities.

Their lesson materials should include:

a wide selection of children's reading books
a display board
a white magnetic board with letters, pens, and dusters
a display stand for books
a tape recorder, Walkman, headphones, batteries, and a battery charger.

They also require:

car parking
signage for the literacy centre or office
a school security system.

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