A complete, comprehensive approach that lifts literacy outcomes when delivered as intended.
Welcome to the iDeaL Approach for Schools, a structured literacy framework that supports universal teaching (Tier 1) for Years 0 to 8. It can also be adapted for secondary learners and for targeted intervention (Tier 2).
A core goal of the iDeaL Approach for Schools is to ensure kaiako are fully supported with assessment tools, materials, and resources through an online platform, allowing their time and energy to focus on teaching a structured literacy approach.
Professional
Learning
Access webinars, self-paced modules, and instructional videos to support ongoing teacher development.
Assessment
and Reporting
A comprehensive suite of assessment tools with the ability to generate detailed individual and group reports.
High-Quality
Resources
High-quality instructional materials and resources for Years 0–8 are structured across four stages.
Leadership
Support
Leaders have access to tools and resources designed to guide and support school-wide literacy improvement.
Recent updates
A key benefit of your iDeaL Approach for Schools subscription is our commitment to continuous review and updates. When you subscribe to iDeaL, you continue to get more! Below are a few examples of recent updates.
Spelling concept cards and videos
Learning all the spelling concepts and rules can be a huge task for teachers. To support this, new concept cards and accompanying videos have been added. These resources help build teacher knowledge and confidence and can also be shared with parents to support spelling learning and understanding at home.
Instructional videos
New instructional videos have been added to show what effective spelling, reading and writing instruction looks like. These are great for honing practice and can be used as a coaching tool alongside our reading, spelling, and writing checklists.
Writing instruction
A new collection of writing support materials is now live on iDeaL. This comprehensive suite is designed to strengthen teaching practice and enhance learner support. It includes professional learning modules, lesson slideshows and plans, exemplar videos, observation checklists, and supporting resources.
Passages and sentence strips
Schools have access to a range of systematic literacy concepts and decodable passages aligned with Stage 1 (ages 5–8) and the refreshed New Zealand English Curriculum. Beautifully illustrated sentence strips accompany each passage, offering students an engaging way to practise reading, sequencing, and writing while deepening their understanding of text.
Te Mātaiaho alignment
We have created a set of expectations for both reading and spelling, aligned with the phases of Te Mātaiaho. The iDeaL Spelling and Reading Expectations help monitor system effectiveness, avoid over identification, and ensure resources are matched to student need. Expectations are mapped to curriculum phases and iDeaL stages.
The iDeaL Approach for Schools stages 1 to 4
The years associated with stages are a guide only. The iDeaL diagnostic assessment tools specifically direct teaching and learning to the starting teaching points within the stages. The iDeaL Approach scope and sequence is systematic and cumulative. It is purposefully slow and thorough.
Pre Concepts
New entrant students - to build sound to symbol association with the first progression of sounds.
Stage 1 - Phonological Awareness
Years 0/1 and older students with gaps in their phonological awareness.
Stage 1 - Alphabetic Principle
Years 0 - 2
Stage 2 - Spelling
Years 3 - 4 and students requiring learning support in literacy.
Stage 3 - Spelling
Years 5-6
Stage 4 - Spelling
Years 7-8
St Patrick's School Invercargill
In 2022, Kelly Townson and Abby Bates, Literacy Leads at St Patrick’s School in Invercargill, recognised an opportunity to enhance literacy outcomes when approached to participate in a MoE-funded Literacy and Communication support trial.
Kauri Park School's Journey
Watch Kauri Park School's video of their Structured Literacy journey. Such a creative and fun video which brings our iDeaL concept characters to life. Ka pai Kauri Park School.
Literacy and Communication Trial
Independently evaluated report reveals Learning MATTERS’ differentiated T2 & T3 intervention accelerated literacy progress.
Schools using the iDeaL Approach
We are often contacted regarding schools that are using the iDeaL Approach to Structured Literacy.
On this map we provide information of Schools implementing a whole-school approach through consultancy with Learning MATTERS (ORANGE PINS), and Individual Users/Schools that are independently using the iDeaL Approach (BLUE PINS).
We encourage you to contact the school directly for further information regarding the implementation of Structured Literacy in their school.
Investment for an annual membership
Per Teacher
(up to 9 Teachers)
$259 + gst per teacher
(per annum).
Per Teacher
(between 10 - 19 Teachers)
$239 + gst per teacher
(per annum).
20 or More Teachers
$209 + gst per teacher
(per annum).
School Support
Complete the form and our team will be in touch to discuss.
*Per teacher you can have up to 35 students added to your class on the iDeaL Online Platform.
NB: Subscriptions are billed annually from 1 January.
A pro-rata amount is charged from the month you subscribe to the end of the year.
Still have questions?
How many students can I have for my membership?
Per teacher you can have up to 35 students added to your class on the iDeaL Online Platform.
Does every teacher in my school have to sign up to iDeaL?
No, you can choose how many subscriptions your school would like to purchase. This could be for one teacher or for all teachers in your school.
What support do I receive?
As part of your membership, you will become part of our iDeaL Community. This means you will receive monthly newsletters, become a member of our iDeaL Community Facebook page where we host live Q and A sessions and webinars, plus you have access to step by step instructions to help guide you through using the iDeaL Online Platform.
Who is iDeaL for?
Whole schools, individual teachers, Sencos, RTLBs, RT Lits, LSCs and homeschooling parents.
I am a Homeschooling parent, can I access the iDeaL Schools platform?
Yes, absolutely provided you have been granted an exemption to homeschool.
Will my school senco, teacher aides have access to the platform too?
Please contact us to discuss your particular setup needs.
What is involved in implementing iDeaL as consultancy school?
As a consultancy school our team work with you to assist the implementation of Structured Literacy using the iDeaL Approach. Learning MATTERS’ Consultants are engaged for their evidence-based knowledge and practice in facilitating Structured Literacy and the change process, as well as their ability to build relational trust to guide and enable their peers through the iDeaL Pathway of Delivery, supported with the iDeaL Online Platform.
Do we have to work with you in a consultancy capacity to access this?
No. You can access the iDeaL Online Platform independently.
Do you have more information on the development of the iDeaL Approach?
Yes, you can view our theoretical underpinnings document for more information on how the iDeaL Approach has been developed and the theories it is based on.
67 Palmer Street,
Te Awamutu 3800, NZ
Call us: 027 532 7646
For general enquiries:
admin@learningmatters.co.nz
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orders@learningmatters.co.nz
