CURRICULUM
How we assess reading at TCPS
At TCPS we encourage a strong focus on reading at home in order to support our programs at school, and the development of our students as readers.
Take home readers are selected at a level of difficulty for your child that makes reading both enjoyable for your child, but within their range of comprehension. Reading at home enables your child to build their reading stamina and their love for reading. Students undergo individual reading assessments each term to determine their take home reader level (Instructional Level). The assessment is divided into two parts; reading accuracy and reading comprehension. We understand that many students can read above their level quite accurately, however it is the literal and inferential comprehension the remains a strong focus.
Your child has been given a level that is personalised to them and their learning goals. Please remember accuracy through word recognition is only one component of what is required when assessing reading levels and we appreciate your support in further assisting your child’s comprehension levels at home.
We do know that many of our students can read above their allocated level in terms of accuracy. This is not uncommon. Allowing children to only read books aimed at a level of accuracy as opposed to comprehension can have a negative impact on a child’s love of reading. It is comprehension and understanding that builds this love and development of reading within our students.
Extra Curricular Programs at TCPS
School are not always able to provide specialist programs for all areas of preference - based on the way our curriculum is designed.
However at TCPS we are committed to provide as many diverse learning experiences as possible to cater for varying interests and in support of student engagement. We do this at TCPS by offering daily lunchtime programs. Currently our students have the opportunity to participate in the following:
Music: Drumming
Visual Arts
STEM
Creative Arts - Dance
Mindfulness
Reading (Library)
Learning tasks - Live Reporting
Learning Tasks form the LIVE REPORTING component of the TCPS reporting program.
This process involves teachers providing parents and students with feedback based on Learning Tasks that are completed in the classroom throughout the term.
Teachers assess students based on specific criteria for each carefully planned Learning Task and provide written comments several times each term. Parents can log onto COMPASS at any time to read these comments as soon as they are published. Parents are also encouraged to submit a feedback comment based on their children’s work on COMPASS in the ‘Conversation’ section of the learning Task.
It is important to remember that a Learning Task is an indication of how a student is progressing in that particular area of the curriculum at that time. It is an up to date ‘snapshot’ of learning. Students’ learning develops, grows and evolves as time progresses.
The work the students produce during the Learning Tasks will be assessed as either:
Progressing towards achieving the learning outcome.
Proficient at the learning outcome.
At an advanced level that exceeds the learning outcome.
Please note: Learning outcomes (the Proficient level) are expected to be achieved by the end of a school year.
Your child’s level of learning on a Learning Task will be presented in a Proficiency Scale attached as a PDF.
Teachers also provide a personalised written paragraph on COMPASS about your child’s performance in the Learning Task.
During the school year, you will receive feedback on your child’s Learning Tasks in key areas of the curriculum:
Reading and Viewing
Writing
Mathematics