Important changes to Learning MATTERS

There are changes ahead for Learning MATTERS as we consolidate our focus to increase accessibility to evidence-based instruction, both within the classroom and in learning support sessions.

We know the most beneficial way for ALL children to become successful readers and writers is with a systematic and evidence-based teaching approach that is based on the Science of Reading. An approach called Structured Literacy.

As advocates for change, we set out to find an effective and efficient way to bring this teaching approach to classrooms across New Zealand.

This is why we developed the iDeaL Approach to Structured Literacy. 

Implementing the shift in our schools:

Over the course of the last two years our talented team at Learning MATTERS have continually developed the iDeaL Approach which is supported by an online platform for teachers to use to build their knowledge, assess their students and access quality resources for teaching.

We are very proud to say we are now working alongside more than 200 schools across New Zealand to implement Structured Literacy using the iDeaL Approach. While this number continues to grow, we still have a long way to go, and we continue to advocate for this teaching approach to be in all schools.

Alignment of teaching practice:

Structured Literacy is the GOLD standard for teaching students with literacy learning difficulties. Currently, only Learning MATTERS Educators have access to the iDeaL Approach for learning support sessions outside of mainstream school. This is about to change. 

In 2022 we will make the iDeaL Approach accessible to intervention specialists and educators throughout New Zealand with the opportunity for them to become an independent iDeaL Specialist.

Our goal is to increase the number of iDeaL Specialists (previously known as Learning MATTERS Educators) across New Zealand, to ensure more children and families have access to quality evidence-based support outside of the schooling system. This will also create alignment of teaching practice with schools using the iDeaL Approach.

To make this strategic change Learning MATTERS will no longer be employing educators or directly offering learning support sessions. From January 2022, learning support will be provided by independent iDeaL Specialists who will deliver multi-sensory structured literacy support sessions to students across New Zealand. Learning MATTERS will continue to work alongside these iDeaL Specialists.

Contact details and locations of iDeaL Specialists are listed on our website.

This is an exciting time for Learning MATTERS as we continue to evolve and aspire to grow the accessibility to this GOLD standard of teaching to ALL children by building teacher and specialist knowledge and influencing practice across New Zealand.

For more information contact:

Rachael Griffin, Communications, Marketing and Sales Coordinator

Email: marketing@learningmatters.co.nz