The Board has launched an online resource for primary teachers and special educators of students who experience difficulty with English and aspects of communication.

The resource is designed to help teachers plan, program, assess, implement and evaluate learning experiences that enable students to demonstrate achievement in English as well as to foster effective communication skills. This resource features:

• advice on effective teaching and learning
• strategies for supporting students in talking, listening, reading and writing
• strategies for students who experience difficulties communicating
• case studies demonstrating how the strategies can be used in the classroom
• videos to support the case studies
• downloadable forms for assessing specific areas of difficulty.

The use of video supported by step-by-step analysis of student responses is a highlight of the resource. Not only are teachers able to read the theory behind the learning, but see it in action in real-life school settings. The proven success of the strategies illustrated in the case studies highlights the importance for all teachers to access this valuable professional support.

The English K–6 Support Materials for Students with Special Education Needs can be accessed from the Board of Studies K–6 Educational Resources site at: k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/English/registration.