Addressing the learning needs of students from diverse, linguistic cultural and socio-economic backg

Today I worked with our Director of Curriculum and another MY teacher to develop an English overview that addresses the significant learning deficiencies of some of our students.

Mark Oliphant College is a Category 1 Level of Disadvantage. The issues associated with many of our students lie with high levels of poverty and generational and youth. Unemployment continues to affect significant proportions of the families within the school’s community.

Nearly 200 students are on a Negotiated Education Plans; this includes the students in the area special classes.The number of Aboriginal students is currently over 90.

The school has implemented literacy support for ESL students. Over 100 students identified as ESL.Many of our students

Also, as a feeder school for many primary schools with similar socio-economic status', it is imperative that we address the learning strengths and needs of our diverse students.

To cater for our students, we developed an English Overview with a Grammar and Writing focus, to assist bridge the gap between our lower and higher level learners.

Proficient Standards

1.2 Understand how students learn Structure teaching programs using research and collegial advice about how students learn.

1.6 Strategies to support full participation of students with disability Design and implement teaching activities that support the participation and learning of students with disability and address relevant policy and legislative requirements.

2.2 Content selection and organisation Organise content into coherent, well­sequenced learning and teaching programs.

2.3 Curriculum, assessment and reporting Design and implement learning and teaching programs using knowledge of curriculum, assessment and reporting requirements.

2.5 Literacy and numeracy strategies Apply knowledge and understanding of effective teaching strategies to support students’ literacy and numeracy achievement.

3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs Plan and implement wellstructured learning and teaching programs or lesson sequences that engage students and promote learning. 3.3 Use teaching strategies Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

3.6 Evaluate and improve teaching programs Evaluate personal teaching and learning programs using evidence, including feedback from students and student assessment data, to inform planning.

6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.

6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice. 6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.

7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice.