Tasmanian election: Literacy and retention headline Liberals’ and Labor’s education policies

The Liberals have announced a focus on literacy and numeracy and Labor has revealed plans for better post-year ten pathway planning as the major parties reveal their education policies.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Minister Roger Jaensch read to year 1 students at Lenah Valley Primary School. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Liberals have announced a greater emphasis on literacy and numeracy and Labor has revealed plans for better post-year ten pathway planning as the major parties reveal their education policies.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced all government primary schools would be required to allocate at least one hour daily to the structured teaching of literacy and one hour to numeracy, should the Liberals be re-elected to government.

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

Year 7 Brighton High School students Kenzi Saltmarsh, Blaire Harris, Phoebe Sproule, Tayah Iles, Hali Mason and Premier Jeremy Rockliff in the library at new Brighton High School. Picture: Elise Kaine

“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,” Mr Rockliff 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.”

Mr Rockliff said last year’s Year One phonics check showed the number of students meeting or exceeding expected phonics achievements in Tasmanian Government Schools had increased by five percentage points in a 12 months.

Labor said it would aim to boost educational outcomes by ensuring every Tasmanian student has a clear, flexible and supported pathway beyond year 10.

Sarah Lovell speaks to media in Lindisfarne. Picture: Linda Higginson

Labor spokeswoman for Education and Early Years Sarah Lovell said the state continued to record below-average retention rates in senior years.

“Too many young Tasmanians are falling through the cracks. It’s clear that a one-size-fits-all model isn’t delivering for our students – or our state,” she said.

Ms Lovell said Labor would convene roundtable meetings of schools, students, industry, TAFE, UTAS and community leaders to find ways help design place-based education and training pathways that will better reflect the unique needs of students around the state.

“This is about giving every Tasmanian student a clear and supported path to success — whether that’s further study, vocational training, or a good job.

“Importantly, this is about adding to what schools already offer – not taking anything away.

“Tasmania is a small state with finite resources. There will need to be different, place-based approaches to ensuring that quality teaching can be sustained for all Tasmanian students and all communities in which they live.”