Literacy and numeracy teaching will be boosted in Tasmanian schools to ensure our children are learning the basics.

A re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will strengthen our commitment to the structured teaching of literacy and numeracy in government schools.

All government primary schools will be required to allocate at least one hour daily to the structured teaching of literacy and one hour to numeracy.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said learning to read and write is foundational to all other learning.

“We know that for all children to learn to read, write and spell, we must implement evidence-based structured literacy instruction in all schools, which includes phonics, and that’s what we’ve done,” the Premier said.

“By 2026, all Tasmanian students will be taught to read in a systematic and explicit way based on the latest research and evidence.

“We want all Tasmanian children to be able to read, write and add up.

“We are seeing success using these methods here in Tasmania and in other states and systems.

“We’ve made significant progress in lifting literacy rates through our structured literacy policy, with reports confirming that our literacy strategy is working, and students’ outcomes are improving.

“Last year’s Year 1 Phonics Check showed the number of students meeting or exceeding expected phonics achievements in Tasmanian Government Schools has increased by 5 per cent."

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said we want to continue this momentum, which is why we will extend the amount of time students spend learning reading, writing and math, while providing the support required for our hardworking teachers to deliver lessons.

“Currently, primary schools are required to teach one hour of structured literacy a day, and we’ll be leveraging this to add critical math skills as well," Minister Palmer said.

“We’ll introduce a requirement for a minimum of one hour of structured numeracy each day from 2027, with schools that are ready to transition earlier able to do so.

"We'll work with school leaders and teachers to ensure schools are properly resourced and supported to implement this.

“The Liberal team are offering a clear plan, a united team, and the leadership to get on with it.

“Let’s get on with it.

“Let’s finish the job for Tasmania.”