Effective Teaching and Learning Practices for Students with Learning Difficulties in the ACT

This research project was conducted by the ACT Department of Education and Training, the ACT Catholic Education Office, and the Association of Independent Schools of the ACT Inc. Its aim was to improve teaching practices and educational outcomes for students with learning difficulties and disabilities in ACT schools. The researchers adopted the Freebody and Luke (1990) Four Roles for the Effective Reader model as the conceptual basis for guided action research projects conducted by ACT educators. A Teacher's Resource Manual which outlines each action research project has been designed to assist teachers in mainstream schools who have students with intellectual disabilities in their classrooms.

The research has demonstrated that the Four Roles model provides a successful framework for all students, including those with significant intellectual disabilities. Teachers do not need to use a different curriculum framework for programming for these students because a literacy programme based on the Four Roles model is applicable to all students, irrespective of functioning.

The Research Report and the Teacher's Resource Book is available for download on each sector's website.

Download Research Report RTF    (298.8 KB)  

Download  Teacher Resource Manual PDF    (969.9 KB) 

Download  Teacher Resource Manual RTF    (60.4 MB)