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Commencing in Semester 2 has its advantages because staff can become familiar with PLDโ€™s programs, and implementation issues can be resolved all before the start of a new school year.

The implementation of PLD can be initiated at any point during the school year. For alternative implementation plans, please refer to:

Step 1: Registering and Setting up 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) in 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 to Complete Relevant Online Course (Minimum of Two Hours)

Depending on the schools, this training may take place on the Term 3 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 – PLD Screening and Tracking Manual

Within the Early Years Screening & Tracking Manual, proceed with the following steps:

  • Beginning of Term 3: Begin teaching the skills in the Term 3 overview on page 9. There are no Week 1 screens in the Early Years.
  • Midterm: Screen students using the following subtests in the Early Years Pre-Literacy Screen on pages 13-16.
  • Subtest 3 Onset and Rime Blending.
  • Subtest 4a Group 1 Alphabet Sound Recognition.
  • Subtest 5a Group 1 Alphabet Sound Recall & Formation.
  • Screen students who scored below 80% in the subtests above using Subtests 1 and 2.
  • Mark the screens. Be sure to note any Negative Observations using the checklists on the Pre-Literacy Screen Record Form.

Foundation – PLD Screening and Tracking Manual

Within the Foundation Screening & Tracking Manual, proceed with the folowing steps:

  • Present the Foundation Term 1 and 2 Early Reading Screen located on page 11.
  • Administer the Foundation Term 2 Spelling Screen on page 19-20.
  • For students unable to read and spell CVC words, administer the Term 1 Alphabet Sound Screen on page 7 and Term 1 Phonemic Awareness Screen located on page 9.
  • Mark the screens.

Within the Year 1 & 2 Screening & Tracking Manual, proceed with the following steps:

  • Administer the End of Term 2 Spelling Placement Screen on page 12.
  • For students unable to spell CVC words (or who score 0-20% in Stage 1 Target 1), present the Difficulty Acquiring Stage 1 screen on page 26.
  • OPTIONAL: Administer the Year 1 & 2 Early Reading Screen on page 17-20 to all Year 1 students and those Year 2 students who are still working within PLD Stages 1 and 2 for spelling.
  • Mark the screens.

Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 – PLD Screening and Tracking Manual

Within the Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual, proceed with the following steps:

  • Administer the End of Term 2 Spelling Placement Screen page 14-15.
  • For students unable to spell CVC words (or those who score 0-20% in Stage 1 Target 1) present the Difficulty Acquiring Stage 1 screen on page 29.
  • OPTIONAL: For the students still working within PLD Stages 1 and 2 for spelling (or with delayed reading), present the Early Reading Screen for Middle & Upper Primary Students on page 24-27.
  • Mark the screens.

Step 4: Essential Instructional Videos for All Teachers – Before or After Entering Results.

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

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

  • Enter the test scores into the tracking sheets (as per the short videos listed below in Step 4).
  • Arrange their class into three targeted teaching groups (as per the short videos listed below in Step 4).
  • Early Years: See page 4 for instructions on how to create a class profile with three targeted teaching groups after the midterm testing in the Early Years Screening & Tracking Manual.
  • Foundation: See page 4 for instructions on how to create a class profile with three targeted teaching groups in the Foundation Screening & Tracking Manual.
  • Year 1 & 2: See page 7-9 for the six steps to using the spelling placement test and common issues using the tracking sheets in the Year 1 & 2 Screening & Tracking Manual.
  • Year 3, 4, 5 & 6: See page 7-9 for the six steps to using the spelling placement test and common issues using the tracking sheets in the  Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 Screening & Tracking Manual.
  • 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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