Reading Pledge
Five from Five and Learning Difficulties Australia have collaborated on an evidence-based framework for schools to dramatically reduce the number of children who finish primary school unable to read proficiently and support struggling readers in secondary school. The Reading Pledge is an updated version of the Primary Reading Pledge (2020) that extends the framework and guidance to secondary schools.
In 2023, almost 90,000 students started their secondary studies with below proficient literacy levels. These students are less likely to complete school as their peers and have serious lifelong educational and social disadvantages.
By using data from the Phonics Screening Check and NAPLAN and following a systematic approach to assessment and intervention, almost all students can and should be reading well by the time they finish primary school.
It is the responsibility of governments, non-government school governance authorities, and school leadership to ensure that teachers are equipped with the resources and knowledge to achieve this critically important goal. Those students who have low literacy in secondary schools today require evidence-based support to improve. Early intervention is best, but it is never too late to teach a student to read.
Add your support to the Reading Pledge by using the Reading Pledge badge on your email signature, through social media with the hashtag #readingpledge, share the document with your state or territory education minister or school authority, and/or find out how your school can make the Reading Pledge by contacting [email protected]
The Primary Reading Pledge
The Primary Reading Pledge published in 2020 highlighted the number of students who were unable to read well after seven years of primary school and that these students should have been provided with support much earlier in their education. It provided an evidence‑based framework for schools and systems to use to reduce this number. The Primary Reading Pledge said:
“Thousands of children each year are being denied this basic right, most of whom are casualties of a system that has become accustomed to an unacceptable rate of failure.”
Many schools adopted the Pledge and have been working toward a goal of 100% literacy.
Primary Reading Pledge schools
Bolwarra Public School in NSW was the first school to make the Primary Reading Pledge.
Clayton South Primary School
Riverwood Public School
Myrtleford College
Bellbrae Primary School
Eynesbury Primary School
The Scots School Albury
Upwey South Primary School
St Georges Road Primary School
Anakie Primary School
Sacred Heart Parish School
Campbell's Creek Primary School
