Threat to link federal funding to school phonics checks

States could be required to roll out phonics checks in primary schools as part of an agreement with the commonwealth.

The states and territories could be required to roll out mandatory phonics checks in primary schools as part of a new agreement with the commonwealth government.

The states and territories could be required to roll out mandatory phonics checks in primary schools as part of a new agreement with the commonwealth government, which is seeking to tie a record investment in education to programs that lift students’ results.

The Turnbull government is understood to be considering linking part of its Quality Schools funding package to the adoption of its proposed Year 1 phonics check, which has been met with resistance from some states. However, following the ­release of the Gonski report into educational excellence last month, Education Minister Simon Birmingham is expected to use funding negotiations with the states and territories to press the importance of the phonics check, which is part of a push to boost lagging literacy standards.

His case has also been buoyed by South Australia’s recent decision to introduce a phonics check for Year 1 students, following a successful trial last year.

Senator Birmingham said he would prefer policymakers to act on the evidence of what works, but he did not rule out linking funding to the implementation of phonics checks. “We’re committed to rolling out evidence-based schools reforms like the Year 1 skills check in partnership with states, territories and non-government educators,” he said.

“I’d be disappointed if we have to use funding to force people to do what’s in the best interests of better student outcomes. I want to have genuine discussions with states, territories and non-government school leaders about which reforms should be linked to future funding.”

Following the announcement last year of an additional $24.5 billion in federal funding for education, the government commissioned David Gonski to conduct a review that would examine the available evidence on the most effective teaching and learning strategies.

The recommendations from the Gonski report, including that literacy be prioritised during the early years of schooling, will form the basis for the funding ­negotiations, which kicked off two weeks ago.

The review heard many submissions highlighting the effectiveness of the phonics method — which involves teaching the specific associations ­between letters and sounds — in teaching young children to read.

Centre for Independent Studies senior research fellow Jennifer Buckingham, who led a government-appointed panel that recommended phonics checks in primary schools, welcomed the possible link between funding and the checks. “I would like to see the states at least agree to conduct a trial before they make a decision,” Ms Buckingham said.

NSW and Tasmania have signalled support, but the Northern Territory and Western Australia yesterday raised concerns about a possible duplication of literacy assessment work.