Literacy intervention for students Yrs 3 -10

UCAN READ is a joint program offered by the ACT Department of Education and Training and the University of Canberra. It is dedicated to developing students literacy skills by providing parents and carers with ideas, knowledge and support.

Located in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra, U-CAN READ draws on up-to-date international research on best practices and theory in literacy teaching and learning.

The aim of the program is to provide parents or carers with the skills to support their own childs literacy learning. The literacy centre operates five days a week with extended hours (8am-7pm) Monday and Tuesday.

U-CAN READ works in partnership with teachers, parents or carers and students. It nurtures relationships that promote learning success.

Under the leadership of Dr Kaye Lowe, Associate Professor in Literacy and the ACT DET Director of Curriculum Support and Professional Learning the program is delivered by University of Canberra staff along with carefully selected, trained and experienced literacy teachers from the ACT Department of Education and Training.

Who Can Enrol?

Students experiencing reading difficulties in Years 3-10 and who are enrolled in ACT schools are eligible to apply for the program. A referral from the principal, school counsellor or classroom teacher is required. Applications are assessed on a needs basis. There are two intakes each year.

Program delivery

Parents and carers are required to attend five two hour seminars and a final reflective session. Seminars are held twice a week, with the option of a Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning time slot.

Intensive teaching tutorial sessions are conducted by qualified literacy advisors with the student and parent/carer. The duration of tutorials is determined by the literacy advisors on the basis of individual student needs.

Parents and carers are required to provide at home support. In addition, the program works with local schools to support students literacy learning.

Program Content

The program works to:

• Integrate reading, spelling and writing
• Demonstrate effective literacy strategies across a range of different text types
• Build on students strengths and interests
• Motivate parents and students to work collaboratively while having fun
• Use assessment information to plan and cater for students needs

Cost of Program

In order to maintain a quality library of resources
for student borrowing, a voluntary contribution of $160 per family is requested.

Enrolling in U-CAN READ

The Application Form is available here.

Contact Information

Postal Address

Faculty of Education
University of Canberra
Belconnen ACT 2601

Location

Building 5 (Education) Room B20a
University of Canberra

Phone 6201 2453
E-Mail ucanread@canberra.edu.au