CSFE Topic 5: introduction to literacy & numeracy for educators

What is literacy?

The ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate effectively.

What is numeracy?

The ability to use mathematical knowledge and reasoning to solve problems in everyday and professional contexts.

Why are literacy and numeracy important for teachers?

They are professional skills used to communicate, interpret data, read curriculum documents, write reports and make informed teaching decisions.

Are literacy and numeracy only the responsibility of English and Maths teachers?

No. All teachers are responsible for developing students' literacy and numeracy across all learning areas.

Give four ways teachers use literacy and numeracy in their work.

Communicating with students and families, writing reports, interpreting assessment data, reading curriculum documents and analysing graphs or percentages.

What is LANTITE?

The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education, a national test for Australian pre-service teachers.

Who administers LANTITE?

ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research).

When must pre-service teachers attempt LANTITE?

Before the end of their first year of study.

When must pre-service teachers pass LANTITE?

Before graduating from their teaching degree.

What standard does LANTITE assess?

Approximately the top 30% of Australian adults.

What are the two components of LANTITE?

Literacy and numeracy.

What skills are assessed in the literacy component of LANTITE?

Reading and writing skills.

What skills are assessed in the numeracy component of LANTITE?

Mathematical reasoning and applied numeracy skills.

Can the literacy and numeracy components of LANTITE be completed separately?

Yes. They can be completed together or separately.

Why does LANTITE exist?

To ensure future teachers have the literacy and numeracy skills needed for professional practice.

Is the purpose of LANTITE to make becoming a teacher harder?

No. Its purpose is to ensure teachers meet the literacy and numeracy standards needed for the profession.

Why do teachers need strong literacy and numeracy skills?

To communicate professionally, interpret student data, understand curriculum documents and make evidence-based teaching decisions.

What is the purpose of the LANTITE practice test?

To become familiar with question styles, experience time limits, reduce anxiety and identify strengths and areas for improvement.

What is the most important part of Assessment 2?

The reflection, not the practice test score.

Why is reflection more important than the practice test score?

Because it demonstrates professional growth, self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

What makes a strong reflection?

Using specific examples, explaining challenges, describing your response and identifying strategies for improvement.

Why should reflections include specific examples?

They show deeper thinking and provide evidence of professional learning.

Instead of saying "I found numeracy difficult," what should you explain?

Which questions were difficult, why they were challenging, how you responded and what you will do differently next time.

What is reflective practice?

The ongoing process of evaluating your learning and teaching to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Why is reflective practice important for teachers?

It supports continuous professional growth and improves student learning.

What emotions can students experience during assessments?

Anxiety, confidence, previous experiences, expectations and fear of failure.

How can emotions affect assessment performance?

They can influence concentration, confidence and overall performance.

Why should teachers understand assessment anxiety?

It helps them build empathy, create supportive learning environments and reduce student stress.

What are some strategies teachers can use to reduce test anxiety?

Preparing beforehand, practising the test format, taking deep breaths, using positive self-talk and focusing on learning rather than perfection.

What does the phrase "Progress > Perfection" mean?

Improvement and learning are more important than being perfect.

What arguments support requiring LANTITE before graduation?

It ensures professional standards, builds public confidence and demonstrates strong literacy and numeracy skills.

What arguments oppose requiring LANTITE before graduation?

One test may not reflect teaching ability, may disadvantage some students and does not measure all qualities of a good teacher.

Does LANTITE define whether someone will be a good teacher?

No. It only measures literacy and numeracy at one point in time.

What important qualities does LANTITE not measure?

Empathy, creativity, relationships with students, classroom management and passion for teaching.

Why should pre-service teachers approach LANTITE with curiosity rather than fear?

Because it is an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement rather than a judgement of their potential as a teacher.

A teacher analyses student assessment results to decide what to teach next. Which professional skill are they demonstrating?

Using literacy and numeracy to make evidence-based teaching decisions.

A pre-service teacher is disappointed with their LANTITE practice score but writes a thoughtful reflection explaining what they learned. Which part of the assessment is most valuable?

The reflection.

A student says, "I'm just bad at numeracy." How could a reflective response improve this?

By identifying specific challenges, explaining why they were difficult and planning strategies for improvement.

A teacher notices students are anxious before a test. What could they do to reduce test anxiety?

Encourage preparation, practise the test format, promote positive self-talk and create a supportive environment.

A student believes failing one practice test means they will never be a good teacher. According to the tutor, why is this incorrect?

Because one test does not measure teaching ability or qualities such as empathy, creativity and classroom management.

What is the difference between the LANTITE practice test and Assessment 2?

The practice test measures current literacy and numeracy skills, while Assessment 2 focuses on reflecting on the experience and identifying ways to improve.

What is the difference between literacy and numeracy?

Literacy focuses on reading, writing and communication, while numeracy focuses on mathematical reasoning and applying mathematics to real-life situations.

Why are literacy and numeracy considered professional skills rather than just school subjects?

Teachers use them every day to communicate, analyse information and make informed professional decisions.

Why is it important for all teachers to develop students' literacy and numeracy?

These skills support learning across every curriculum area, not just English and Mathematics.