Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD

Proficient literacy skills are vital in society today. These skills hold particular significance for students with special educational needs, influencing their social engagement, employment prospects, overall wellbeing, and self-esteem. To optimise literacy achievements, Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programs and interventions are advised for both mainstream and special education settings. For students with special needs, it’s often necessary to implement adjustments, to the SSP program materials, to cater for the varying needs of these students.

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Classroom Programs and Staff Training

Every student with special educational needs is unique. However, for those who exhibit reading, spelling, and writing abilities below their current primary school level, PLD’s SSP program can be applied effectively.

PLD recommends that teaching and support staff focus on the online courses that are most relevant to the developmental levels of their students, rather than completing the entire suite, and the courses can be revisited for period of 30 days.

Foundation Classes

  • Staff working with Foundation classes are typically advised to concentrate on the Early Years phase of SSP implementation. The relevant course for this stage is ‘Pre-Literacy in the Early Years’.

Year 1 & 2 Classes

  • Additionally, it is common at this level to have a significant portion of students operating at a pre-literacy level. The Foundation programs address both pre-literacy and early literacy stages.

Year 3 & 4 Classes

Year 5 & 6 and Secondary Schools

  • For Years 4, 5, 6, and Secondary Schools, to provide an accurate quote, it will be necessary to either estimate the functional literacy levels within the classes or administer the placement test outlined below.
  • Additionally, Years 3 – 6, and secondary classes may require programs for students who are not yet at the reading, spelling, and writing stages (i.e Pre-Stage 1). It is typical for these year levels to also have a portion of students operating at a pre-literacy level. You can find the Intensive Pre-Literacy Teaching Pack here.
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD

Online Course for Teaching Pre-Literacy Students

Request a Quote for Literacy Support Programs and Staff Training

For schools new to PLD, by filling out the form below, you can request cost estimates for training and essential programs. Subsequently, a quote will be sent to the provided email address (typically within 48 hours.) Following this, a complimentary 30-minute consultation will be scheduled to further discuss and tailor the quote to meet the specific requirements of the school.

(eg P-2, Yr 3-6, Yr 7-10)
Choose your preference for the quote:(Required)
Placement Tests to Establish Stages and Targeted Teaching Goals

Foundation Classes

For Foundation classes, initiating PLD implementation in the Early Years is recommended. Find the Early Years Manuals here

  • For classes starting implementation in Semester 1, it is advisable to begin teaching the outlined skills, starting with the Term 1 Early Years implementation.
  • If commencing implementation in Semester 2, consider administering an Early Years Placement Test to determine starting points for various targeting teaching groups. Further information on this is available here.
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD

Year 1 and 2 Classes

Year 1 and 2 classes are recommended to initiate PLD implementation at the Foundation level. Find the Foundation Manuals here.

  • For classes starting implementation in Semester 1, it is advisable to begin teaching the outlined skills, starting with the Term 1 Foundation implementation.
  • If commencing implementation in Semester 2, consider administering a Foundation Placement Test to determine starting points for various targeting teaching groups. Further information on this is available here.
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD

Year 3, 4, 5, 6 and Secondary Classes

For students working in Years 3 to 6, and in Secondary classes, the Placement Tests outlined in the Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 Screening & Tracking Manual aid in establishing stages and goals.. 

  • Spelling Placement Tests, which cover PLD’s Stages 1 – 6, are located on pages 9 – 16.
  • In addition, the Reading Placement Test, which covers PLD’s Stages 1 – 6, will identify the students who still require decodable reading material. These are located on pages 23 – 26
  • Additional sub-tests are available for students operating at a pre-literacy (or pre-CVC) level. These subtests are located in the red box on pages 27 – 29.
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD
Implementing SSP in Education Support Using PLD
Tracking Sheet Support & Coaching From The PLD Office
  • Register for PLD Tracking Sheets here to streamline the tracking process.
  • Following the instructions set up tabs for each class. It is essential that teaching staff enter their own test scores, as outlined in the relevant PLD tracking sheet videos
  • For complex students, individual tracking sheets are also provided. 
  • Based on Placement Test results, PLD recommends that each class is organised into three (3) targeted teaching groups and specific learning objectives are set for the term. 
  • Share the Tracking Sheets with the PLD office for personalised support.

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