Earlier this year the Courier Mail reported that Queensland Year 1 students may potentially be assessed by their classroom teacher with a 5-7 minute diagnostic exam, which tests a child’s ability to identify sounds that form words.
A phonics test in Year 1 will facilitate change to help pick up if a student has a learning difficulty like dyslexia and ensure they get the teaching support they need throughout their education.
The Australian Government is already investing $10.8 million for the development of a free, voluntary phonics health check for Year 1 students. This includes an online Literacy Hub with resources to support children to develop their literacy skills, including a free Phonics Check for teachers to administer with their Year 1 students. For families there is a phonics and a reading awareness check to do at home along with lots of other resources. https://www.education.gov.au/year-1-phonics-check
However, there is concern that QLD teachers will not be provided with the extra support needed to administer the assessment and reporting.