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PLD recommends commencing explicit SSP instruction as early as possible in Term 1. Some schools new to implementing PLD use a pupil-free day at the end of the previous year, or the beginning of this new school year, to review handover screening whilst watching the online courses. However, there will be other schools that are eager to begin PLD implementation in Term 1 following the commencement of the school year.

This article outlines how to start implementing PLD scope and sequence within Term 1.

PLD implementation can be launched at any stage within the school year. For other implementation plans please see:

Pupil Free (Dec / Jan)
Begin in Term 1
Begin in Term 2
Begin in Term 3
Begin in Term 4

Step 1: Register for & set up the PLD Tracking Sheets.

  • To get started with PLD, click the provided link to register for the PLD Tracking Sheets.
  • Next, set up the classes for the school year. For instance, rename the tabs to indicate the year levels and class names (e.g., Yr 1 Room 9, Yr 3 LA4, Yr 6J, etc.) and input the class list (student names) into the appropriate columns. This task can be assigned to administrative staff.
  • It is important to โ€œhideโ€ the columns corresponding to the previous terms, as demonstrated in the instructional videos outlined in Step 4.
  • For composite classes, do not put composite classes in separate tabs. You may need to insert a column beside the background column to ensure there is a column identifying each studentโ€™s year level.
  • Save the document to the schoolโ€™s shared drive and share the link with the staff. For an easier process, consider using a cloud-based tracking sheet document. Click here to learn more about the benefits of cloud-based sheets for both teachers and administrators.

Step 2: Teachers and Education Assistants need to view at least two hours of the relevant online course.

Depending on the school, this training may take place on a pupil-free day or during staff meetings. The online courses provide a comprehensive overview of PLDโ€™s implementation in primary schools.

Below are convenient links to the relevant courses:

Step 3: Administering and Marking Relevant Screens in Participating Classes.

Early Years โ€“ Start Implementing PLD Scope and Sequence in Week 1

Foundation – Start Implementing PLD Scope and Sequence in Week 1

  • There are no beginning-of-term screens in Foundation. 
  • The first round of screens are scheduled for midterm (or by the end of Week 6).
  • Begin the term teaching the skills outlined in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual.
  • Midterm (Week 6): Administer the Term 1 Alphabet Sound Screen (Supporting Reading) on page 7, Term 1 Alphabet Recall and Formation Screen (Supporting Spelling) on page 9 and Term 1 Phonemic Awareness Screen (Blending & Segmenting) on page 10 in the Foundation Screening & Tracking Manual.

Year 1 & 2 โ€“ Start by Presenting the Placement Test

Within the Year 1 & 2 Screening & Tracking Manual, present the following screens: 

  • Administer the Week 1, Term 1 Spelling Placement Screen on page 10.
  • Students who score between 0-40% in Stage 1 Target 1 CVC spelling will need further screening using the Difficulty Acquiring Stage 1 Target 1 Screen on pages 26 – 29.
  • For schools new to PLD, we recommend focusing on Spelling Placement Tests and Tracking first, then present the Year 1 & 2 Early Reading Screen on pages 17-20 within the first 6 months.

Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 โ€“ Start by Presenting the Placement Test

Within the Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual, present the following screens:

  • Administer the Week 1, Term 1 Spelling Placement Screen on pages 10 & 11.
  • Students who score between 0-40% in Stage 1 Target 1 CVC spelling will need further screening using the Difficulty Acquiring Stage 1 Target 1 Screen on pages 28 – 30.
  • For students still operating within Stages 1 and 2 for spelling (or with delayed reading), administer the Early Reading Screen for Middle & Upper Primary Students on page 24-27.

Step 4: Essential Instructional Videos for All Teachers โ€“ Before or After Entering Results

It is recommended for all class teachers starting with PLD to watch:

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Early Years Teachers
Also Watch

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Foundation Teachers
Also Watch

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Year 1 & 2 Teachers
Also Watch

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Year 3,4,5&6 Teachers
Also Watch

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After viewing the two relevant videos above, all teachers should proceed to:

  • Teachers enter the test scores into the tracking sheets (as per the short videos listed below in Step 4).
  • Teachers arrange their new class into three targeted teaching groups (as per the short videos listed below in Step 4).
  • Allocate a learning focus for each group for the Term ahead.

Step 5: Initiating Support and Coaching from PLD After Establishing Teaching Plans and Groups

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