TLI and High Ability @HEPS

What is Student Growth?

There has been a lot of discussion about the growth of students and how this is done in education. Student growth refers to the improvement and progress a student makes in their learning and development over time, encompassing academic skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. The goal is that all students will make a years’ worth of learning growth for each year at school, but this may not be the case all the time. There are many factors that impact students throughout their primary school journey and their growth. It is important to note that it's about tracking a student's progress and development, not just their final achievement or test score. 

Understanding and measuring student growth helps educators identify areas where students excel, struggle, and need support. Growth can be measured in various ways, including:

• Standardized Tests: Tracking performance on standardized tests over time. 
• Classroom Assessments: Observing student work, participation, and performance on learning tasks. 
• Student Portfolios: Collecting and reviewing student work samples to demonstrate progress. 
• Growth Mindset: Encouraging a belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. 

As a teacher, we determine what this growth means for each student, often collaboratively, but one done with great pride and diligence. To do this, we draw upon evidence (formal assessments e.g. NAPLAN, teacher judgements mapped to curriculum achievement standards, work samples etc), as well as the knowledge of our students that we see each day. 

When we consider growth, it is important to note that this relates to all students, not just those working at a lower learning level. Schools provide opportunities for students, hopefully to make this growth, and where needed, set up and provide other pathways for this. At HEPS, our Tutoring and VHAP programs provide just that. 

Tutoring in Term 1 at HEPS

This term the HEPS tutoring program has focused on Level 5 students. Students are selected for the tutoring program based on individual needs in Literacy and Mathematics. Our tutoring teacher Jason Mulder works closely with classroom teachers to select students for the program based on assessments and classroom-based observations. Tutoring is an opportunity for students to work in a small group setting at their point of need. The Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) at HEPS has been designed to have minimal impact and disruption on classroom learning and routine. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for our students and we look forward to watching them make growth throughout their time in this program. 

Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP)

The VHAP program began in Week 2 at HEPS with students engaged online in Literacy classes. The Victorian High Ability program offers students in Levels 5 and 6 an opportunity to work with other students from across the state in a virtual class with a teacher from Virtual Schools Victoria. Students in the Literacy class 'The Power of the Pen' examine humour in writing and explore unique and interesting techniques to make their writing engaging and humorous.