Support Teacher (Literacy and Numeracy)
The support teacher works with school teams to assist classroom teachers to develop and effectively implement responses to students with diverse learning needs with a focus on literacy and numeracy for each main group (extension and enrichment for those operating above their cohort level and intervention support for those experiencing learning difficulties within their cohort level).
Toowoomba East State School follows the whole-school intervention framework which conceptualises literacy and numeracy intervention within 3 levels:
Whole school intervention
Targeted group intervention
Intensive intervention
The support teacher works closely with the guidance officer, speech language pathologist, English as a second language teacher, special needs teacher and others to scaffold a suitable teaching and learning program for the student and enacts its delivery. The program is continually assessed to ensure the student remains engaged, actively developing responsibility for his/her learning, experiencing success and celebrating achievements. Intensive teaching is variable in its time-lines.
At Toowoomba East State School the support teacher has a specific teaching timetable for identified students from prep to year four. A wide range of resources, particularly interactive technology, are accessed by the students as well as interactive home/school programs.
Extension in literacy and numeracy for talented students also includes access to the iMaths and Eggspress programs to supplement the curriculum differentiation which class teachers have in place.