Learning and Teaching 

Science of Learning Conference

Late last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Science of Learning Leadership Acceleration (SOLLA) Conference in Perth. Over 100 delegates were chosen from across the country and overseas to present, learn, share, collaborate and grow in their knowledge of the Science of Learning and Science of Reading.  

Researchers, school system leaders, principals, deputy principals, school leaders and classroom teachers gathered to focus on ways to develop evidence-based, whole school practice across Australian schools. Sessions focused on developing knowledge-rich, ambitious curriculum, early literacy programs to promote oral language development and phonemic awareness, evidence-based reading instruction and response to intervention models, effective classroom management and behaviour models, development and growth of teachers and school leaders and explicit teaching to enhance student learning and growth.

I had the pleasure of experiencing some one to one time with Dr Lorraine Hammond, an Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University, and expert in the area of early literacy, high-impact instructional strategies, explicit teaching and learning difficulties (reading and spelling).  I have drawn on her work and knowledge over a number of years. It was an affirming experience sharing our school's journey with structured literacy and the Science of Reading and drawing on her knowledge and expertise on steps forward to further deepen and develop the learning and teaching of reading, spelling and writing across our school.

It was an intensive few days filled with learning and growth, but also the chance to connect with other schools that are on the same journey. We look forward to developing the connections made with other schools from the conference, especially several Victorian Catholic schools, and the continued support of several MACS Literacy and Learning Consultants who attended the conference. 

I would like to thank Declan for giving me the opportunity to attend on behalf of our school, and Juliette Cox, MACS Regional General Manager (Western Region), who organised the MACS delegation at SOLLA. I look forward to working with Juliette and the MACS SOLLA delegation to create a cross-school professional learning community with the Science of Learning at its core.

Danielle