Practice Principles For Excellence in Teaching and Learning

PRACTICE PRINCIPLES FOR
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
AND LEARNING
Vision for Learning

All students are empowered 1. High expectations for every
to learn and achieve, student promote intellectual
engagement and self-awareness
experiencing high quality
teaching practice and the
best conditions for learning
which equip them with Positive 2. A supportive and productive
climate for learning environment promotes
the knowledge, skills and
learning inclusion and collaboration
dispositions for lifelong
learning and shaping the
world around them.
3. Student voice, agency and
leadership empower students and
build school pride
Curriculum planning Building practice
and assessment excellence
4. Curriculum planning and

implementation engages and
Excellence in
Evidence-based high
impact teaching teaching Evaluating impact
on learning
challenges all students
strategies and learning
Student
achievement,
engagement 5. Deep learning challenges
and wellbeing Parents and carers
Empowering students
and building school pride
Positive
climate for
Community
engagement
as partners students to construct and apply
learning in learning
Health and wellbeing
Global citizenship
Excellence new knowledge
Networks with schools,
Setting expectations
and promoting inclusion
Professional
leadership
services and agencies
in teaching
Intellectual
Building
communities
and learning
engagement and
self awareness
6. Rigorous assessment practices
Building leadership
teams
Vision values
and culture and feedback inform teaching and
Instructional Strategic
learning
and shared resource
leadership management
7. Evidence-based strategies
drive professional practice
improvement
8. Global citizenship is fostered

through real world contexts for
learning
Community
engagement
in learning
9. Partnerships with parents and
carers enhance student learning
First published by the Department of Education and
Training Melbourne February 2018, updated October 2020.
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and
Training) 2020
The copyright in this document is owned by the State of
Victoria (Department of Education and Training), or in the
case of some materials, by third parties (third party
materials). No part may be reproduced by any process
except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright
Act 1968, the National Education Access Licence for
Schools (NEALS) (see below) or with permission.
An educational institution situated in Australia which
is not conducted for profit, or a body responsible
for administering such an institution may copy and
communicate the materials, other than third party
materials, for the educational purposes of the institution.
Authorised by the Department of Education and Training,
2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
ISBN: 978-0-7594-0827-2
2 | Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Acknowledgments
The Department of Education and Training (the Department)
acknowledges and pays respects to Elders and all Victorian
Aboriginal communities. We honour and respect Traditional
Owners, past and present, and value the rich culture and history
of the First Peoples of this land.
The Department also acknowledges the expertise and
commitment of teachers and school leaders in Victorian
government schools who work to build teaching and learning
excellence every day.
For the preparation of this resource we would like to acknowledge
the advice and inspiration provided by Dr Julia Atkin, and
valuable contributions from many of our principals and teachers.
The Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is
a component of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model.
The Practice Principles draw from the current evidence base,
including the following Victorian frameworks and initiatives:
• Australian Professional Standards for Teachers

• Education State reform agenda
• Framework for Improving Student Outcomes
• New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Community of Practice
• Professional Learning Communities
• School Differentiation Model (School Strategic Plan, Annual
Implementation Plan, Performance and Development
Approach)
• Victorian Curriculum F-10
• Victorian Early Years Learning and Development
Framework.
Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning | 3

Contents
Acknowledgments 3
Why a Vision for Learning and Practice Principles? 7
What is our Vision for Learning? 8
What are the Practice Principles? 8
Who are the Practice Principles for? 10
Practice Principles overview table 12
1. High expectations for every student promote intellectual

engagement and self-awareness 14
2. A supportive and productive learning environment promotes

inclusion and collaboration 16
3. Student voice, agency and leadership empower students

and build school pride 18
4. Curriculum planning and implementation engages

and challenges all students 20
5. Deep learning challenges students to construct and apply

new knowledge 22
6. Rigorous assessment practices and feedback inform teaching

and learning 24
7. Evidence-based strategies drive professional practice

improvement 26
8. Global citizenship is fostered through real world contexts

for learning 28
9. Partnerships with parents and carers enhance

student learning 30
Appendix 1 - Principles aligned with Victorian and national

frameworks and initiatives 32

Introduction
‘It may seem obvious that getting to scale with powerful teaching and learning for all students requires having and sharing a
vision of what that should look like. If after all, you don’t agree on where you are trying to get, it is pretty challenging to get there.’ 1
In Victoria we are committed to building a world class For teachers and school leaders, linkages between the Practice
education system and transforming Victoria into the Principles and the Framework for Improving Student
Education State. This starts in the early years and relies on Outcomes (FISO) will be clear. Focusing on three FISO priority
shared1 outcomes across sectors to support continuity of areas – Excellence in teaching and learning, Positive climate
learning. It is this commitment towards achieving increased for learning, and Community engagement in learning –
equity and excellence at a system level that frames our work teachers and school leaders can guide conversations with
as teachers and leaders, but we must draw our focus to what students, parents and school communities about our values
happens in every classroom and in every school to make the and our beliefs about teaching and learning. These
difference for all Victorian students. conversations will help to build consensus around our moral
purpose and mobilise partnerships in ways that improve
The Victorian Teaching and Learning Model comprises 4 learning.
interrelated components through which excellence in teaching
Working with the Practice Principles will deepen the
practice is articulated: an overarching Vision for Learning,
professional conversations taking place in Victorian
Practice Principles, for excellence in teaching and learning, the
government schools, support the development of a shared
Pedagogical Model which describes what effective teaching
language for teaching and learning and help us to articulate
looks like in the classroom and helps teachers apply the
what teaching and learning excellence looks like. I encourage
Practice Principles, and the High Impact Teaching Strategies
teachers and school leaders to draw on the Practice Principles
that outline 10 instructional practices that reliably increase
to support the growth and development journey which is
student learning.
taking place in every school.
In our work as educators we must ask ourselves
“how well are we achieving what we value and believe, and
how well does our current situation match our vision for
learning?”2 From this understanding emerges our shared
commitment and actions to improve student learning
Working with the Practice Principles will
outcomes and teacher practice. deepen the professional conversations
The Practice Principles outlined in this resource provide taking place in Victorian government
powerful evidence-based support for teaching practice. They
draw from a substantial knowledge base about the schools, support the development of a
‘fundamentals’ that support and accelerate student learning, shared language for teaching and learning
and, most importantly, they articulate a cohesive view of
effective teaching and learning which integrates all the key and help us to articulate what teaching
aspects of teaching, including curriculum, pedagogy and and learning excellence looks like.
assessment. The Practice Principles provide Victorian schools
with the means to effectively deliver the Victorian Curriculum
and to measure impact on learning through rigorous and
authentic assessment. Teachers working in the early years of primary school will also
refer to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development
Framework (VEYLDF) Practice Principles, bringing coherence
to our education system and ensuring continuity of learning
across education settings and developmental stages.
1
City, EA, Elmore, RF, Fiarman, SE, Teitel, L (2009). Instructional rounds in education: a network approach to improving teaching and learning, Harvard
Education Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, p. 173.
2
Atkin, J. (1996). Seminar Series. From Values and Beliefs about Learning to Principles and Practice, Jolimont, Australia: Incorporated Association of Registered
Teachers of Victoria, p.5.

Why a Vision for Learning
and Practice Principles?
This resource introduces an ambitious Vision for Learning, As indicated in the diagram below, teachers can anchor their
and sets out clear and evidence-based Practice Principles for practice in an articulated moral purpose and establish a
Excellence in Teaching and Learning. holistic approach to teaching and learning drawing from:
A Vision for Learning helps teachers and school leaders to • the Vision for Learning which creates the foundation for
create a unified set of values and beliefs which drive the success and a narrative for change
development of a high performance learning culture. It is • the Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and
framed by these fundamental questions: Learning, which unpack this Vision for Learning into a coherent
delineation of practice excellence
Why are we here?
• a pedagogical model which provides a holistic view of
What do we stand for? classroom practice and a reference point for the cohesive
implementation of the Practice Principles
How do we achieve our goals?
• teaching strategies such as those outlined in the Literacy and
When teachers can identify the values and beliefs at the centre Numeracy Strategy and the High Impact Teaching Strategies
of their practice, they have a frame of reference that helps (HITS).
them to evaluate their current practice. Mindsets change when
teachers actively adjust their practice to ensure it is aligned
with their core values and beliefs.
PRACTICE PRINCIPLES FOR EXCELLENCE IN
The Vision for Learning and the Practice Principles will help TEACHING AND LEARNING CONSISTS OF:
teachers and school leaders to consider:
• the Vision for Learning
• what school communities and teachers value
• 9 Practice Principles for Teaching and Learning
• the beliefs about learning which underpin practice • a set of Diagnostic Tools (available online only)
• how current practice helps to achieve what is valued
• how new practices will help to achieve what we value.3
Vision for Learning

All students are empowered to
learn and achieve, experiencing
high quality teaching practice and Vision Practice Pedagogical Teaching
the best conditions for learning for Learning Principles Model Strategies
which equip them with the
knowledge, skills and dispositions
for lifelong learning and shaping
the world around them.
3
Atkin, J. (1996). Seminar Series. From Values and Beliefs about Learning to Principles and Practice, Jolimont, Australia: Incorporated Association of Registered
Teachers of Victoria, p.5.

What is our Vision What are the Practice
for Learning? Principles?
‘All students are empowered to learn and achieve, to The Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and
experience high quality teaching practice and the best Learning provide a foundation for the conversations,
conditions for learning which equip them with the knowledge, collaborations and actions at the centre of teaching and
skills and dispositions for lifelong learning and to shape the learning. For most teachers the Practice Principles will be
world around them.’ a familiar part of everyday practice, so the purpose of this
resource is to bring them together to guide teacher reflections
In Victoria, our Vision for Learning articulates our aspirations and conversations about what they teach, the way they teach,
and beliefs about teaching and learning. With students at and how they think about teaching. Early years teachers will
its centre, the Vision outlines our aspiration for all students also draw on the VEYLDF Practice Principles for Children’s
to achieve and grow as learners, and to generate their own Learning and Development which provide an evidenced
course for lifelong learning. Students will be empowered to take based understanding of the science of early learning and
ownership of their learning, to make purposeful contributions development to guide teachers to know what children up to
to their learning environments, and to tackle issues arising in eight years of age need to thrive and the pedagogy that best
the world around them. supports this.
The Vision for Learning also recognises the central role of THE PRACTICE PRINCIPLES
teachers as they use expert knowledge, skills and dispositions
as designers. They develop engaging and challenging learning There is a substantial body of knowledge about effective
programs and create the optimal conditions for student instructional practices and what works to improve student
learning, including supporting parents as first educators and learning outcomes in schools. Drawing from this body of
partners in education. Teachers model lifelong learning as they research nine Practice Principles have been identified for
build reflection and deep levels of thinking into their practice the Victorian context. These Practice Principles are signature
and challenge themselves and their students to co-construct pedagogies which ‘make the difference’, and research has
and apply new knowledge. explicitly linked them to improved student achievement and
motivation.
Victoria’s Vision for Learning creates the narrative for change,
and draws our focus to the values and beliefs at the heart The Practice Principles articulate how teachers can deliver
of teaching and learning. For teachers and school leaders in the curriculum and engage students. They are designed to
Victorian schools it provides a starting point for a close analysis link directly to a school’s documented teaching and learning
of school culture and professional practice. program, which outlines what is to be taught, and the
approach to assessment, which helps teachers determine
student learning needs and how students can demonstrate
their levels of understanding.
Each Principle is supported by a theory of action that describes
how the work of teachers can generate improved student
learning over time. It explains the specific changes that can be
expected and creates a brief evidence-based synopsis.
ACTIONS
Each of the Principles is unpacked into three or four key Actions
which provide more detail about the specific teacher practices
which contribute to effective teaching and learning. Teachers
will be able to reflect on their practice, gather evidence about
their strengths and areas for improvement, and use the Actions
to draft Performance and Development Plans (PDPs) and plan
for classroom practice improvement.

INDICATORS DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
The Actions cascade into a set of Indicators which provide The Diagnostic Tools are designed to support collaborative
additional, and more granular detail about the Principle practice improvement. They will help school leadership teams
and what it looks like in practice. The Indicators can be used and teachers to:
as a diagnostic tool for teacher self-reflection, for teacher
• determine how effectively the Principles (one, several or
observation and feedback, and as the basis for student
all) are embedded in teacher practice across a school,
feedback to teachers.
in Professional Learning Communities, and in individual
ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES classes
Two engagement activities for each of the nine Principles will • identify focus areas for peer observation and feedback,
support teachers, individually and in teams, to develop, reflect learning walks, and PDP goals
on, and gather evidence of their practice. An engagement • determine the ‘next step’ which will help Professional
activity is just that: something that prompts discussion Learning Communities and teachers to improve practice.
and debate, and provides an exercise to use in classrooms,
Professional Learning Communities or with students. Each
engagement activity includes a stimulus and set of questions
or tasks that, when applied, will deepen understanding of The diagnostic tools are available online from the
the Principle. Practice Principles page (see: http://www.education.vic.
gov.au/practiceprinciples) on the on the Department’s
Teachers should not feel constrained by the questions but use website.
them to promote rich conversations that challenge and extend
professional thinking and practice. They can also be used
collaboratively with students in the classroom, and form the
basis for reflection and evidence gathering for improvement.

Who are the Practice
Principles for?
TEACHERS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
This resource provides an opportunity for teachers to ‘Collaboration is a powerful way to deepen educator capacity,
evaluate their practice with a focus on one or more of to increase the total value of the professional capital in the
the Practice Principles and share reflections and new school, and to harness the power of the collective.’4
understandings about what works in classrooms with
By using the Practice Principles in parallel with the FISO
their colleagues. For teachers in the early years these
Improvement Cycle as part of collaborative professional
discussions can also occur collaboratively with early
learning, teachers can maximise their impact on teacher and
childhood professionals using the VEYLDF Practice
student learning. The Department’s best practice approach
Principles to discuss evidence-based approaches to best
to collaborative professional learning is exemplified in the
practice.
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) initiative (to learn
All teachers will benefit from regularly engaging with the more about the initiative see: www.education.vic.gov.au/plc)
Practice Principles. Starting from the engagement activities however teachers will already be familiar with the process of
and using the diagnostic tools, teachers can diagnose working in professional learning teams. Effective teams will:
areas requiring attention and set improvement goals that
• collect evidence to gauge teaching and learning
address both student and personal development needs.
effectiveness
Teachers can document these goals in their PDPs, draw
links to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers • identify a problem of practice
and demonstrate progression toward the achievement of • engage with the resource to discuss strategies
their goals. • review teaching practice through observation and
feedback.
High quality teaching and learning is deliberate work.
Purposeful engagement with the Practice Principles in
collaborative teams will help all teachers to develop new skills
and strategies, and build student motivation and commitment
to improve their own learning.
FOCUS AREAS FOR USING THE FISO IMPROVEMENT CYCLE TO SUPPORT TEACHING AND LEARNING
Evaluate Prioritise Develop Implement

and diagnose and set goals and plan and monitor
• What’s going on for • What does our • How will we target • How will we know
our learners? evidence tell us? our teaching to along the way that
• How do we know? • Where will we ensure we are our efforts are
concentrate our meeting all students making enough
energies to make the where they are AT of a difference on
greatest impact on and support where student progress?
learning? they need to go
NEXT?
• How will we measure
impact? • What will we do
that will have the
greatest impact on
student learning?
• What is currently
working, what needs
to change and how
will we find out
more?
4
Sharratt, L. & Plance, B. (2016). Leading Collaborative Learning: Empowering Excellence. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.

SCHOOL LEADERS
For school leaders the Vision for Learning and the Practice The Vision for Learning and the Practice Principles
Principles provide an opportunity to bring coherence to whole will support school improvement across the eight
school improvement efforts. FISO Essential Elements for School Improvement:
The Key Improvement Strategies and Actions documented 1. Documented curriculum plan, assessment and
in school Annual Implementation Plans will become more shared pedagogical approaches
meaningful to teachers as they set PDP goals and use the 2. School-based professional learning program
Practice Principles to contribute to achieving improvement developed and implemented that supports the
targets. school’s identified improvement strategies
In addition, school leaders will be able to address four key 3. School improvement team formed to develop,
leadership dimensions in the FISO Professional Leadership oversee and evaluate the effectiveness and
Priority using the Practice Principles: impact of the Annual Implementation Plan
• Vision, values and culture – where leaders promote a 4. Student voice, leadership and agency in own
future focussed vision, a common purpose and values, learning activated so that students have positive
and the commitment of teachers, parents and students to school experiences and can act as partners in
realise the potential of all students school improvement
• Building leadership teams - that empower and develop
their staff, collectively and individually, at their point of 5. Whole school approach to health, wellbeing,
need inclusion and engagement
• Instructional and shared leadership – where leaders 6. Moderation of common student assessment tasks
are actively involved in discussions with teachers about
7. Data collection, analysis and evaluation of
instructional matters, including how instruction impacts on
student learning growth over time
student achievement
• Strategic resource management – where leaders are 8. Explicit use of evidenced-based school
equipped to determine what teaching expertise and improvement strategies and teacher professional
resources are needed to achieve student learning goals practice activities.
and source and allocate them accordingly.
For more information on the FISO Essential
elements visit:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/FISO
Feedback
The Department welcomes questions, comments and feedback on the Practice Principles. Your engagement and
contribution will contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of our resources, including future versions of
this publication. To contact the Department with regard to Practice Principles, contact: professional. practice@edumail.
vic.gov.au

Practice Principles overview table
Vision for Learning

All students are empowered to learn
and achieve, experiencing high 1. High expectations for
every student promote
quality teaching practice and the best intellectual engagement
conditions for learning which equip and self-awareness
them with the knowledge, skills and
dispositions for lifelong learning and 2. A supportive and productive
shaping the world around them. Positive learning environment
climate for promotes inclusion and
learning collaboration
3. Student voice, agency and

leadership empower students
and build school pride
Curriculum planning Building practice

and assessment excellence
4. Curriculum planning and

implementation engages
and challenges all students
Evidence-based high
Excellence in
Evaluating impact
impact teaching teaching on learning
strategies and learning
Student
5. Deep learning challenges
achievement,
engagement
students to construct and
Empowering students Positive
and wellbeing Community
Parents and carers
as partners apply new knowledge
and building school pride climate for engagement
learning in learning Global citizenship
Health and wellbeing
Setting expectations Professional

Networks with schools,
services and agencies Excellence
and promoting inclusion leadership
in teaching 6. Rigorous assessment
Building
Intellectual
engagement and
communities
and learning practices and feedback
self awareness
inform teaching and
Building leadership
teams
Vision values
and culture learning
Instructional Strategic
and shared resource
leadership management
7. Evidence-based
strategies drive
professional practice
improvement
8. Global citizenship
is fostered through
real world contexts for
Community learning
engagement
in learning 9. Partnerships with
parents and carers
enhance student learning

Action 1.1 Action 1.2 Action 1.3 Action 1.4
Teachers convey high Teachers co-design Teachers scaffold and Teachers build student
expectations of learning, aspirational goals with differentiate learning to capacity to monitor and
effort and engagement students enable students to achieve evaluate their own progress 14
for all students their goals and achievement

Teachers build quality Teachers ensure all students’ Teachers develop student Teachers maintain an
relationships that cultural backgrounds, needs capacity to collaborate energised and focused
enhance student and abilities are recognised learning environment 16
engagement, self- and addressed in the learning
confidence and growth program
as a learner
Teachers empower Teachers co-design Teachers co-design Teachers build school pride
students to have a opportunities for students to leadership opportunities and connectedness
democratic voice in exercise authentic agency in 18
the running of the their own learning
communities in which
they learn
Action 4.1 Action 4.2 Action 4.3

Teachers place student Teachers collaboratively design Teachers regularly review and
needs at the centre of and implement a scope and update learning programs in
program planning and sequence of learning line with school curriculum 20
delivery plans

Teachers design learning Teachers support students Teachers support students to
programs to explicitly to explore the construction of be reflective, questioning and
build deep levels of knowledge self-monitoring learners 22
thinking and application

Teachers design Teachers use assessment Teachers provide regular Teachers analyse student
authentic, fit for purpose data to diagnose student feedback to students on their achievement data to improve
assessments to reflect learning needs and plan for progress against individual their practice 24
the learning program learning learning goals and curriculum
and objectives standards

Teachers evaluate the Teachers identify and target Teachers draw on current Teachers challenge and
impact of teaching on areas for professional research and use an inquiry support each other to
learning by analysing learning improvement cycle improve practice 26
multiple sources of data

Teachers support Teachers model and facilitate Teachers and students co- Teachers and students
students to explore their use of digital tools and design learning that connects collaborate in learning
role as global citizens resources to access, use and to real world contexts partnerships in and beyond 28
share learning the school

Teachers establish Teachers seek and use Teachers facilitate parent/
open and sustained parents’/carers’ knowledge carer involvement in
communications with and feedback education within the 30
parents/carers classroom, school and
beyond

Positive climate for learning
1. High expectations for every student

promote intellectual engagement
and self-awareness
Theory of action
When teachers model and sustain high expectations as part of their regular classroom
practice, students’ intrinsic motivation to achieve is lifted and outcomes improve.
Actions and Indicators

Action 1.1 Action 1.3
Teachers convey high expectations of learning, effort and Teachers scaffold and differentiate learning to enable
engagement for all students students to achieve their goals
This is evident when the teacher: This is evident when the teacher:
• communicates high expectations about all aspects of school • determines prior knowledge to understand students’
• emphasises the quality of learning with the valuing of effort interests, aspirations and readiness for learning
• ensures all students understand the standards expected of • uses a range of teaching strategies that leverage and
them develop different skills and abilities to enable achievement
of goals
• provides constructive feedback and challenges students to
further their learning. • empowers students to make decisions about what and how
they learn
• structures learning to support students to achieve
challenging goals.
Teachers co-design aspirational goals with students Teachers build student capacity to monitor and evaluate
This is evident when the teacher: their own progress and achievement
• builds students’ confidence, optimism and self-belief This is evident when the teacher:
• supports students to identify strengths and areas for • ensures assessment criteria are explicit
improvement • provides a range of strategies, tools and rubrics to support
• supports specific groups of students (e.g. English as an student self-evaluation and self-assessment
additional language, disabilities and additional needs) with • assists students to frame future learning goals based on
appropriate resources to tailor support and modify learning strengths and areas for improvement.
goals
• collaborates with students to identify appropriate goals to
progress their learning.
• Hattie. J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximising impact on

Evidence base learning. Milton Park, UK: Routledge, p.93.
• Marzano R.J. (2017). Communicating high expectations. In Marzano, R.J. The
• Donker, A.S., de Boer, H., Kostons, D., Dignath van Ewijk, C.C., & van der Werf, new art and science of teaching. Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker Brownlow
M.P.C. (2014). Effectiveness of learning strategy instruction on academic Education.
performance: A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, vol. 11, pp.
• Muijs, D., Kyriakides, L., van der Werf, G., Creemers, B., Timperley, H., & Earl,
1-26.
L. (2014). State of the art: Teacher effectiveness and professional learning.
• DET. (2011). VEYLDF Evidence paper and Practice Guide: High School Effectiveness and School Improvement, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 231-256.
Expectations for Every Child. Retrieved 24 January 2018 from: http://www.
• Strom, R., & Boster, F. (2007). Dropping out of high school: A meta-analysis
education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx
assessing the effect of messages in the home and in school. Community
• Dinham, S. (2016). Leading learning and teaching. Melbourne: Australian Education, vol. 56, no. 4, 433-452.
Council for Educational Research, p.125.
• The power of high expectations: Closing the gap in your classroom –
• Education Endowment Foundation. (2015). Teaching and Learning Toolkit Chapter 2. Retrieved 22 September 2017 from:
– Australia. Retrieved 22 September 2017 from: http://teachingasleadership.org/sites/default/files/Related-Readings/
http://evidenceforlearning.org.au/ DCA_Ch2_2011.pdf
• Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses
relating to achievement. Milton Park, UK: Routledge.

‘Our role [as teachers] is not to enable students to reach their
potential, or to meet their needs; our role is to find out what students
can do, and make them exceed their potential and needs.’
- John Hattie, 2012
Engagement activities
Individual Team based
Stimulus – 20 minutes Stimulus – 5 minutes

Read High Expectations for Every Child, one of the series of guides In your Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting, watch
to the Practice Principles in the Victorian Early Years Learning and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s High
Development Framework. Expectations video:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/childhood/providers/ https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/high-
edcare/pracguidehighexpectations2017.pdf expectations-illustration-of-practice
Activity – approximately 45 minutes Activity – approximately one hour
1. Think about the students you work with and what ideas 1. After watching the video, refer to the Actions and Indicators.
you have about their potential achievement. What is your Take notes on the strengths of the teacher practice featured in
understanding of students’ prior skills and knowledge? Do you this illustration of practice.
think these ideas affect your expectations and the learning
opportunities you offer? 2. Reflect (individually or with your colleagues) on how this
illustration of practice relates to your context. For instance:
2. As you read through the case studies presented in the practice
guide, consider: • How do you set goals for your students?
• What percentage of success do you expect?
• the relevance of the issues presented in each situation to
your school context • How do you scaffold the learning to ensure students can
experience success and build self-confidence?
• how you would respond to similar situations in your school
3. From your reflection, identify ways you can extend your use of
• how you currently motivate and build student confidence high expectations to drive a culture of high achievement and
and self-efficacy collective efficacy in your classroom. Deepen your reflection
• how these ideas confirm and challenge your expectations. by referring to the High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS),
particularly Setting Goals and Differentiated Teaching.
3. Review an upcoming learning unit. Reflect on how you can
explicitly include strategies that promote high expectations and
empower students to further their learning.
Links to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Create and maintain supportive and safe learning
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,2.4 environments – 4.1, 4.2
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.1, • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.2
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 • Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
community – 7.3
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: • The power of high expectations: Closing the gap in your classroom –
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ Chapter 2:
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx https://pdf4pro.com/cdn/the-power-of-high-expectations-closing-the-
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: gap-86cb9.pdf
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/ • Marzano R.J. (2017). Communicating high expectations. In Marzano, R.J. The
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx new art and science of teaching. Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker Brownlow
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 1 – Setting Goals: Education.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/
practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx
• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership – Reflect on your
practice resource:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/improve-practice/reflect-on-practice

2. A supportive and productive learning

environment promotes inclusion and
collaboration
Theory of action
When the teacher maintains a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment, students
will be motivated, collaborative and productive.

Teachers build quality relationships that enhance student Teachers develop student capacity to collaborate
engagement, self-confidence and growth as a learner This is evident when the teacher:
This is evident when the teacher: • develops team building skills which enable students to
• demonstrates genuine interest in, and values, all students collaborate, negotiate and contribute to shared tasks
• co-designs, with the students, learning and behaviour norms (Personal and Social Capability, Victorian Curriculum F-10)
and protocols • supports specific groups of students (e.g. English as an
• engages in one-on-one conversations with students to build additional language, disabilities and additional needs)
and enhance productive relationships with appropriate scaffolding and resourcing to effectively
participate in collaboration activities
• uses a range of tools to receive regular student feedback on
classroom climate. • enables students to share roles, responsibilities and
ownership of outcomes
• provides opportunities for students to reflect on and
evaluate the value of working together.
Teachers ensure all students’ cultural backgrounds, needs Teachers maintain an energised and focused learning
and abilities are recognised and addressed in the learning environment
program This is evident when the teacher:
This is evident when the teacher: • provides learning intentions and success criteria to support
• ensures the learning program is relevant to student needs, student achievement of learning goals
interests and learning goals • identifies and uses appropriately engaging resources
• ensures learning experiences explore and extend • ensures learning time is maximised and students are
intercultural connections and awareness (Intercultural engaged and on task.
Capability, Victorian Curriculum F-10)
• co-designs learning plans with students and seeks input
from parents/carers
• ensures targeted supports for individual students are in
place and effective.
Evidence base
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (2013). Ensuring fair and reliable • Kyriakides, L., Christoforou, C., & Charalambous, C.Y. (2013). What matters
measures of effective teaching: Culminating findings from the MET for student learning outcomes: A meta-analysis of studies exploring
Project’s three-year study. Seattle: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. factors of effective teaching. Teaching and Teacher Education, vol. 36, pp.
Retrieved 22 September 2017 from: 143-152.
http://www.edweek.org/media/17teach-met1.pdf • Marzano R.J. (2017). The new art and science of teaching. Cheltenham,
• Cook-Sather, A. (2009). Introduction – Learning from the student’s Australia: Hawker Brownlow Education, p. 97.
perspective: Why it’s important, what to expect, and important guidelines. • Thapa, A., Cohen, J., Guffey, S., & Hughes-D’Alessandro, A. (2013). A review of
In Cook-Sather, A. (Ed.), Learning from the student’s perspective: A school climate research. Review of Educational Research, vol. 83, no. 3, pp.
sourcebook for effective teaching, Boulder, CO: Paradigm Publishers, 357-385.
pp. 1-20.
• DET. (2011). VEYLDF Evidence paper: Equity and diversity. Retrieved 24
January 2018 from: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/
edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx

‘One of the first steps to communicating high expectations for all
students is to help them feel valued and respected.’
- Robert Marzano, 2017

Visit the Student Wellbeing Hub and check the range of content and In your Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting watch the
resources available: https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au AITSL video illustrating student engagement in the classroom:
For this Engagement Activity in particular, take 15 minutes to https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/student-
build a broad sense of the resources and learning modules in the engagement-illustration-of-practice
Educators section.
Activity – approximately one hour
1. After watching the video, reflect on the following questions with
1. Referring to this Principle’s Actions and Indicators, identify those your colleagues:
tools, resources and learning modules in the Educators section
that can assist you in your everyday practice, and in your • Which ideas and strategies featured in the video stand out
professional development. as most helpful for engaging students?
• How can you build a classroom environment that fosters
2. Compile a shortlist, then choose one resource to focus on. For support for all students?
example, you could:
• Which strategies can you introduce to your classroom to
• take one of the learning modules enhance personal relationships with every student?
• trial one of the classroom activities located in the ‘Building 2. Think of three effective engagement strategies you have used in
Positive Relationships’ section of Primary Classroom the past. Share your strategies with your colleagues.
Resources: https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au
3. Agree on one strategy, from your list or those in the video, to trial
3. Select an upcoming lesson/learning unit. Reflect on how you
collectively and develop an implementation plan.
can implement the resource/learning you have just accessed to
promote a supportive and productive environment. 4. At your next PLC meeting, discuss the successes and challenges
experienced in implementing the chosen strategy. Reflect on
what you could improve on in the future.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments –
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.12.2, 2.3, 2.6 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.1, • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.1, 5.2,
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 5.4
• Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
community – 7.1, 7.2
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: • DET - VEYLDF Practice Guide and Video for “Equity and diversity”: http://
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/edcare/Pages/profresource.
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx aspx
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 5 – Collaborative • Marzano R.J. (2017). Building relationships. In The new art and science of
Learning, Number 10 – Differentiated Teaching: teaching, Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker Brownlow Education, pp. 89-95.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ See sample pages: http://files.hbe.com.au/samplepages/SOT2922.pdf
practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx • Victorian Curriculum F-10. Victorian Curriculum F-10:
• DET FUSE (Find Use Share Education) digital resources platform: http:// http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/
fuse.education.vic.gov.au/
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx

3. Student voice, agency and leadership

empower students and build school pride
Theory of action
When students are empowered as learners and leaders, actively contributing to both their own
education and to whole school initiatives, their self-efficacy is enhanced and they experience
significant growth in motivation, wellbeing and achievement.

Teachers empower students to have a democratic voice in Teachers co-design leadership opportunities
the running of the communities in which they learn This is evident when the teacher:
This is evident when the teacher: • explicitly teaches leadership skills
• considers students’ backgrounds, interests and needs to • co-designs opportunities for students to initiate school
create authentic and meaningful learning opportunities events, and to engage in planning and facilitating them
• involves students in curriculum planning and • co-designs opportunities for students to build partnerships
implementation that connect learning within and beyond the school
• empowers students to present their own ideas, opinions, • supports students to engage with the school community in
knowledge and experience different forums.
• builds students’ capacity to participate in whole school
decision making.
Teachers co-design opportunities for students to exercise Teachers build school pride and connectedness
authentic agency in their own learning This is evident when the teacher:
This is evident when the teacher: • promotes and celebrates individual student and school
• assists students to take ownership of their learning by achievements
identifying strategies that support them to attain learning • builds connectedness with parents/carers and the broader
goals community to strengthen social ties, care and support for
• assists students to become increasingly self-directed over students
time, and to gain confidence in their ability to complete • co-designs opportunities for students to share and exhibit
learning tasks the outcomes of their learning with the school community
• provides opportunities for students to reflect on the and beyond.
effectiveness of their learning and plan for future
development
• enables students to negotiate assessment methods and
criteria matched to their learning goals.
Evidence base
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (2013). Ensuring fair and reliable • Roorda, D., Koomen, H., Split, J., & Oort, F. (2011). The influence of affective
measures of effective teaching: Culminating findings from the MET teacher-student relationships on students’ school engagement and
Project’s three-year study. Seattle: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. achievement: A meta-analytic approach. Review of Educational Research,
Retrieved 22 September 2017 from: vol. 81, no. 4, pp. 493-529.
http://www.edweek.org/media/17teach-met1.pdf • Toshalis, E., & Nakkula, J. (2012). Motivation, engagement, and student
• Nagaoka, J., Farrington, C.A., Ehrlich, S.B., Heath, R.D., Johnson, D.W., voice. Students at the Centre Series. Boston: Jobs for the Future.
Dickson, S., Turner, A.C., Mayo, A., & Hayes, K. (2015). Foundations for • You, S., Hong, S., & Ho, H. (2011). Longitudinal effects of perceived control on
young adult success: A developmental framework. Chicago: University of academic achievement. The Journal of Educational Research, vol. 104, no.
Chicago, Consortium on Chicago School Research. 4, pp. 253-266.
• Quaglia, R., & Corso, M. (2014). Student voice: the instrument of change. • Warin, J. (2015). Identity capital: An application from a longitudinal
London: SAGE Publications Ltd., p.3. ethnographic study of self-construction during the years of school. British
Journal of Sociology of Education, vol. 36, no. 5, pp. 689-706.

‘When students believe they are being heard and influencing
decisions, schools become more relevant to students’ lives and are
more likely to be seen as serving their needs.’
- Russell Quaglia & Michael Corso, 2014

Watch the video about how a teacher supported students at At the beginning of a Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Canterbury Primary School to develop the L6P Radio Station. meeting:
http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?8XSPGJ • read the account of the initiatives implemented at Dandenong
High School:
Activity – 30 minutes https://edugate.eduweb.vic.gov.au/sites/i/Pages/production.
1. After watching the video, consider these questions: aspx#/app/news/detail/972/
• view the Buckley Park College video: https://fuse.education.vic.
• What characteristics of the relationship between the
gov.au/Resource/LandingPage?ObjectId=431608e0-3d00-41a4-
students and teachers help to develop the teaching and
learning? ae2e-08e5ad4f5cc3&SearchScope=Secondary
• How was student agency enabled through learning design? Activity – one PLC meeting
• In what ways can you make your teaching more 1. Divide a sheet of paper into four quadrants, each representing
student-centred? one Action outlined in this Principle. Document your
• How can you empower students to present their own ideas, observations about the approaches adopted at the schools
opinions, knowledge and experiences through their work? showcased in the stimulus.
2. Review your learning unit plan to embed an authentic 2. Share your findings, and reflect on the strengths and challenges
partnership opportunity that enables student agency and of these approaches in your school context.
connects student learning within and beyond the school.
3. Discuss what student voice and agency mean for your
3. Use the High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) as an approach school, including ways you can support students to speak for
to support the development of student voice and agency in your themselves, or form their own action teams to engage with
school. Focus on Metacognitive Strategies and Collaborative issues they are passionate about.
Learning to guide your planning.
4. Establish a set of draft goals for developing student voice
in your school and a process for student co-design and
ratification.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Create and maintain supportive and safe learning
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.1, environments – 4.1, 4.2
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.2,
5.4, 5.5
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: • DET - VEYLDF Practice Principle Guides for “Assessment for Learning and
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ Development” and “High Expectations for Every Child”: https://
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/learning/Pages/
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: veyldfproflearn.aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/ • 10 Expectations All Students Should Have of Their Schools:
management/ContinuaForSchoolImprovement.docx http://10x.bigpicture.org/
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 5 – Collaborative • VIC Student Representative Council and the Education State:
Learning, Number 9 - MetacognitiveStrategies: https://www.vicsrc.org.au/
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ • VIC SRC – Teach the Teacher:
practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx http://teachtheteacher.org.au/
• DET – Student Voice: • Represent! SRC Resource kit for students and teachers:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ http://fusecontent.education.vic.gov.au/f1165f0d-
discipline/humanities/civics/Pages/studentvoice.aspx d847-4e55-8ada-8a88a3765daf/src%20resource%20kit%20for%20web%
20v2.pdf

Excellence in teaching and learning
4. Curriculum planning and implementation

engages and challenges all students
Theory of action
When learning plans integrate the Victorian Curriculum, instructional practices and assessment
strategies into coherent, sequential and contextually relevant programs, they can address the
learning needs of all students.

Teachers place student needs at the centre of program Teachers regularly review and update learning programs in
planning and delivery line with school curriculum plans
• analyses a range of student data to design learning • works in a PLC to ensure learning programs (curriculum
programs with multiple entry points implementation, pedagogical practices and assessment
• selects and uses a range of resources, including digital tools, strategies) are consistent across the school
to enhance learning • uses evidence to regularly monitor the effectiveness of
• incorporates real life contexts and learning beyond the the programs in meeting student learning needs and
classroom establishing challenging learning goals
• includes students in curriculum planning. • accesses contemporary research and resources to enrich
teaching and learning programs, and to enhance student
engagement.
Action 4.2
Teachers collaboratively design and implement a scope and

sequence of learning
This is evident when the teacher:
• works in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to design
learning programs that integrate the Victorian Curriculum
Content Descriptions, and Achievement Standards for
Learning Areas and Capabilities
• designs learning programs that are developmental and
scaffolded to meet students’ needs
• implements assessment strategies that meet the
Achievement Standards for Learning Areas and Capabilities.
Evidence base
• Coe, R., Aloisi, C., Higgins, S., & Major, L.E. (2014). What makes great teaching? • Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses
Review of the underpinning research. London: The Sutton Trust. Retrieved 27 relating to achievement. Milton Park, UK: Routledge.
September 2017 from: http://dro.dur.ac.uk/13747/ • Lemov, D. (2015). Teach like a champion 2.0. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass,
• Education Endowment Foundation. (2015). Teaching and Learning Toolkit – p. 84-85.
Australia. Retrieved 27 September 2017 from: • Victorian Curriculum F-10. Retrieved 27 September 2017 from:
http://evidenceforlearning.org.au/ http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/
• Hattie, J. (2003). Teachers make a difference: What is the research evidence?
Melbourne: Australian Council for Educational Research. Retrieved 27
September 2017 from:
http://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.
cgi?article=1003&context=research_conference_2003

‘What you teach is as important as how you teach it, and the better
your teaching craft, the greater the benefits resulting from a choice
of rigorous content.’
- Doug Lemov, 2015

1. Read the Practice Principle, Actions and corresponding The Lesson Study model involves a small team of teachers
Indicators on the previous page. examining their practice and improving their impact on student
learning. Together, team members work through a systematic cycle
2. Watch the Australian Institute for Teaching and School of planning, teaching, observing, refining and reviewing specific
Leadership (AITSL) illustration of practice video on Backward lessons.
Design. Note your reflections on teacher practice as they relate
to this Practice Principle, Actions and Indicators: In your Professional Learning Community (PLC), watch this video
about the Lesson Study model and its impact on lesson planning:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/backward-
design-illustration-of-practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuf5ELANhkM
Activity – 20 minutes Activity – two PLC meetings, then ongoing
1. Reflect (individually or with your colleagues) on how this 1. After watching the video, engage with your colleagues in
illustration of practice relates to your context and practice. Your discussion about existing lesson planning practices and the
reflection could be prompted by the following questions: advantages of collaborative planning.
• what are the strengths of your current lesson planning? 2. Referring to Cerbin and Kopp’s Lesson Study Guide at https://
What are areas for improvement? www.uwlax.edu/sotl/lsp/guide/, examine how the Lesson Study
model can assist you and your PLC to enhance the quality and
• at what stage of development do you incorporate the effectiveness of curriculum design and implementation.
Victorian Curriculum F-10 or (for early years) the VEYLDF
into your unit or lesson planning? 3. Now use the VCAA Curriculum Self-Assessment tool (http://
• how and when do you involve students and parents/carers curriculumplanning.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sat/self-assessment-tool),
in designing learning activities? and the Lesson Study model, to plan and implement a unit of
work.
• what mechanisms are in place to ensure your planning is
done with rigour? 4. At the end of the unit, watch the introductory video again and
2. Following your reflection, refer to the Actions of this Principle reflect on the impact the Lesson Study model had on your
and the VCAA Hints and Tips (http://curriculumplanning.vcaa.vic. practice.
edu.au/global/hints-and-tips) to identify ways you can improve
the design of sequential learning programs.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.1, 5.4
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 • Engage in professional learning – 6.2, 6.3
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.2 • Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
community – 7.4
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: • Marzano R.J. (2017). The new art and science of teaching. Cheltenham,
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ Australia: Hawker Brownlow Education. See sample pages:
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx http://files.hbe.com.au/samplepages/SOT2922.pdf
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: • Current professional learning opportunities, Bastow Institute for
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/ Educational Leadership
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx https://www.bastow.vic.edu.au/professional-learning/browse
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 1 – Setting • DET FUSE (Find Use Share Education) digital resources platform: https://
goals, Number 2 – Structuring Lessons, and Number 3 – Explicit fuse.education.vic.gov.au/
Teaching: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/ • Cerbin, W., & Kopp, B. (2011). Lesson Study Guide. Retrieved 4 September
teachingresources/practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx 2017 from: http://www.uwlax.edu/sotl/lsp/guide
• DET - VEYLDF Practice Guide for “Assessment for Learning and • Fullan, M., & Langworthy, M. (2014). The new pedagogies – Deep learning
Development”: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/ tasks. In A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep learning, London:
edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx Pearson, pp. 21-29. Retrieved 17 September 2020 from: https://
• VCAA – Curriculum Planning Resource: michaelfullan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3897.Rich_Seam_web.pdf
http://curriculumplanning.vcaa.vic.edu.au/

5. Deep learning challenges students to

construct and apply new knowledge
Theory of action
When students are challenged to move from surface knowledge to deeper levels of
understanding, they are more engaged and committed to extend and apply their learning.

Teachers design learning programs to explicitly build deep Teachers support students to be reflective, questioning and
levels of thinking and application self-monitoring learners
• sequences learning programs to include both surface • stimulates students to explore their own beliefs, assumptions
and deep learning based on the Victorian Curriculum and understandings
achievement standards • prioritises time and resources for students to analyse and
• designs open-ended learning experiences for students to reflect on how they learn
investigate complex ideas • provides opportunities for students to share their learning,
• models and develops students’ critical, creative and higher teach, question and challenge each other
order thinking skills. • supports students to question and form conclusions about
the value of the learning.
Action 5.2
Teachers support students to explore the construction

of knowledge
• supports students to form theories, find patterns and make
connections in their learning
• builds understanding of knowledge construction in different
learning disciplines
• designs investigations of current issues for students to
compare and contrast different perspectives
• develops students’ capacity to critically analyse and use
data and information for different purposes.
Evidence base
• Biggs J., & Collis, K. (1982). Evaluating the quality of learning: The SOLO • Fullan, M., & Quinn, J. (2016). Coherence: The right drivers in action for schools,
taxonomy (structure of observed learning outcome). New York NY: Academic districts and systems. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Press Inc. • Hill, P., & Langworthy, M. (2014). A strategic approach to the assessment of
• DET. (2011). VEYLDF Evidence paper: Integrated teaching and learning deep learning. New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Whitepaper. Seattle,
approaches. Retrieved 24 January 2018 from: http://www.education.vic.gov. Washington: Collaborative Impact SPC.
au/childhood/providers/edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx • American Institute for Research. (2017). Study of deeper learning:
• Fullan, M., & Langworthy, M. (2014). A rich seam: How new pedagogies find Opportunities and outcomes. Retrieved 9 October 2017 from:
deep learning. London: Pearson, p. i. Retrieved 25 September 2017 from: http://www.air.org/project/study-deeper-learning-opportunities-and-
https://michaelfullan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3897.Rich_Seam_web. outcomes
pdf

‘Deep learning is more natural to the human condition because it
more clearly connects with our core motivations: to directly and
deeply engage in learning; and to do things that truly make a
difference to our lives and the world.’
- Michael Fullan & Maria Langworthy, 2014
Watch the ‘Above and Beyond’ video: In your Professional Learning Community (PLC), watch the video
‘Rube Goldberg Challenge’ from Brauer College. The video presents
https://youtu.be/7KMM387HNQk the implementation of a deep learning unit plan on forces:
Activity – approximately 1 to 2 hours http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/Resource/
1. After watching the video, consider these questions: ByPin?Pin=8N48CD&SearchScope=All
• what are the video’s key messages and how do they relate Activity – one PLC meeting
to your school context?
1. As you watch the video, take note of how this unit of work
• which learning programs in your school include elements of successfully embeds the Actions and Indicators of this Practice
deep learning? Principle, including:
• how can you extend the use of open-ended learning
experiences to help students investigate complex ideas? • curriculum integration
• how can collaborative learning enhance your students’ • using open-ended learning experiences to investigate
ability to be reflective, questioning and self-monitoring complex ideas
learners? • supporting students to form theories and make connections
2. Review your learning program to embed a deep learning in their learning
opportunity that enables students to: • providing opportunities for students to share their learning,
• collaborate teach, question and challenge each other
• create • capturing evidence through film and gathering formative

assessment.
• communicate
2. After watching the video, share your observations and discuss:
• critically analyse information.
3. Use the following resources as an approach to support the • the effect on teacher practice and student learning of
development of deep learning in your classroom: capturing evidence through film and using formative
assessment
• High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) – focus on
• what deep learning looks like in your school – share specific
Metacognitive Strategies and Collaborative Learning:
examples
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/
• your diagnosis of whether deep learning occurs in your
teachingresources/practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx
practice or where it could
• Victorian Curriculum F-10 – focus on the Capabilities to
integrate the learning experience with the nominated • the evidence you have to support your diagnosis
Learning Area: • the implications of creating deep learning tasks and how
http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/overview/ you would implement this model.
curriculum-design/learning-areas-and-capabilities
3. Use the outcomes of your discussion to:
• investigate opportunities for collaboratively developing a
deep learning unit plan
• agree the next steps (with timelines, roles and
responsibilities) for developing the unit.
• Know students and how they learn – 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 • Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.2, 3.3,
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.1. 2.3, 2.6 3.4
• Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
– 4.1
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: • DET - VEYLDF Practice Guide and Video for “Integrated teaching and
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ learning approaches”: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx providers/edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx
• VCAA Curriculum – Capabilities: • The Deeper Learning Toolkits: https://all4ed.org/deeper-learning-toolkits/
http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/overview/curriculum-design/ • Fullan, M., & Langworthy, M. (2014). The new pedagogies – Deep learning
learning-areas-and-capabilities tasks. In A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep learning, London:
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 5 – Collaborative Pearson, pp. 21-29. Retrieved 11 September 2020 from: http://
Learning, Number 9 – Metacognitive Strategies: www.michaelfullan.ca/wp-content/
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ uploads/2014/01/3897.Rich_Seam_web.pdf

6. Rigorous assessment practices and

feedback inform teaching and learning
Theory of action
When multiple forms of assessment and feedback inform teaching and learning practices,
student engagement and achievement are enhanced.

Teachers design authentic, fit for purpose assessments to Teachers provide regular feedback to students on their
reflect the learning program and objectives progress against individual learning goals and curriculum
This is evident when the teacher: standards
• collaboratively develops assessment strategies that measure This is evident when the teacher:
progress of student learning against achievement standards • makes the assessment criteria explicit to students and
• integrates assessment strategies into the learning sequence parents/carers
• engages students in developing explicit assessment criteria • organises a variety of audiences to provide feedback,
including peer feedback
• uses a range of formative and summative assessment
strategies. • provides feedback to students that articulates progress as
well as the next steps required to advance their learning
• supports students to self-evaluate, building the skills to
monitor, review and reflect on their progress.
Teachers moderate student assessment and use data to Teachers analyse student achievement data to improve
diagnose student learning needs and plan for learning their practice
• works with colleagues to moderate and analyse multiple • regularly collaborates with colleagues to moderate student
sources of assessment data work
• uses a range of evidence to diagnose student learning • analyses student assessment data to identify areas of
• embeds a range of assessment strategies within the learning practice for improvement
program • actively seeks student feedback about their teaching
• uses student self-assessment in the planning process. practice
• collaborates with colleagues to share knowledge and skills in
identified areas for improvement.
Evidence base
• Masters, G.N. (2013). Reforming educational assessment: Imperatives, • Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. (2013). Report on the
principles and challenges. Australian Education Review, vol. 57, p.3. Retrieved Assessment for Learning and Development Project 2012. Melbourne: VCAA.
23 September 2017 from: Retrieved 23 September 2017 from:
http://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=aer http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/earlyyears/ALDProjectReport2012.pdf
• OECD. (2013). Synergies for better learning: An international perspective on • Pendergrass, E. (2013). Differentiation: It starts with pre-assessment.
evaluation and assessment. OECD Reviews of Evaluation and Assessment in Educational Leadership, vol. 71, p. 4. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Retrieved 23
Education. Paris: OECD. Retrieved 23 September 2017 from: September 2017 from:
http://www.oecd.org/edu/school/Synergies%20for%20Better%20Learning_ http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/dec13/vol71/num04/
Summary.pdf Differentiation@_It_Starts_with_Pre-Assessment.aspx
• Spiller, D. (2012). Assessment matters: Self-assessment and peer assessment.
Hamilton, NZ: Teaching Development Unit, University of Waikato. Retrieved 11
September 2020 from:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/352871/Assessment_-
Feedback-to-Promote-Student-Learning.pdf

‘Professionals use assessments to better understand the presenting
situation or problem, to identify starting points for action, to decide
on appropriate evidence-based interventions, to monitor progress,
and to evaluate the effectiveness of the decisions they make.’
- Geoff Masters, 2013
Stimulus – one hour Stimulus – 20 minutes

Review the following web page which describes the importance of In your Professional Learning Community (PLC), review the
creating and using rubrics: assessment principles on:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/ https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/
teachingresources/practice/Pages/insight-effective.aspx teachingresources/practice/Pages/insight-principle.aspx
Activity – approximately one unit of work Activity – two meetings
1. Reflect on the extent to which you have successfully used 1. Review the Assessment Principles and reflect on how deeply
rubrics to set explicit and shared standards that empower they are integrated in the assessment culture and strategies at
students to reflect on their own learning. your school.
2. Focusing on a unit you are currently teaching, or are about to 2. Share your views and reflections with your colleagues.
introduce, identify a learning task that would most benefit from Collectively identify areas of strength and weakness.
using a rubric to scaffold learning and make learning visible.
3. As a next step, review the online assessment tools available
3. Drawing from the best practice presented in the web pages on the Insight Assessment Platform (https://www.education.
linked above, design a rubric for the learning task you have vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/practice/
identified. Plan for implementation that includes: Pages/tools.aspx) and view David Wees’ presentation of 56
assessment tools:
• presenting the learning goals and sharing the rubric with https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nzhdny
students and parent/carers MQmio5lNT75ITB45rHyLISHEEHZlHTWJRqLmQ/
• refining the criteria with student input, and/or modifying the pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000#slide=id.p
rubric with individual student input, based on their learning
goals 4. With your colleagues, consider how you can use a range of
assessment tools and strategies to assess and measure your
• asking students to self-assess against the criteria students’ learning progress, validate your data, and use this
• transparently assessing student performance against the information to inform your practice.
rubric and providing feedback on how to progress to the
next level of performance.
4. Following implementation:
• seek student feedback on the effectiveness of the rubric
• reflect on the impact of your planning and assessment
strategies on student learning.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.1, 5.4
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 • Engage in professional learning – 6.2, 6.3
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.2 • Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
community – 7.4
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: https:// • Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) – Reflect on
www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/practice/ your practice resource:
improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/improve-practice/reflect-on-practice
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: • Marzano R.J. (2017). Using assessments. In Marzano, R.J. The new art and
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/ science of teaching, pp. 21-27. Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker Brownlow
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx Education. See sample pages:
• DET – VEYLDF Practice Guide and Video for “Assessment for learning and http://files.hbe.com.au/samplepages/SOT2922.pdf
development”: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/edcare/ • Masters, G.N. (2013). Reforming educational assessment: Imperatives,
Pages/profresource.aspx principles and challenges. Australian Education Review, vol. 57, p.3.
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 8 – Feedback, and Retrieved 23 September 2017 from:
Number 2 – Structuring Lessons: http://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=aer
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ • VCAA Assessment for Learning Tool (VEYLDF): https://
practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/learning/Pages/
• DET - Assessment: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/ veyldf.aspx?Redire
teachingresources/practice/Pages/assessment.aspx

7. Evidence-based strategies drive

professional practice improvement
Theory of action
When teachers improve their knowledge and skills using evidence-based strategies, they are
more precise and purposeful in their practice.

Teachers evaluate the impact of teaching on learning by Teachers draw on current research and use an inquiry
analysing multiple sources of data improvement cycle
• uses high quality, fit for purpose assessment tasks that • undertakes research to build knowledge and skills of
reflect the full range of learning goals evidence-based strategies
• uses explicit criteria referenced against the achievement • plans and implements new practices using the Framework
standards and learning goals for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) improvement cycle
• makes consistent judgements validated by moderation in • continuously monitors, self-assesses and reflects on
professional learning teams changes to practice.
• uses peer, student and parent/carer feedback.
Teachers identify and target areas for professional learning Teachers challenge and support each other to improve
This is evident when the teacher: practice
• links student achievement data to their own practice This is evident when the teacher:
improvement goals • regularly undertakes peer observation and provides
• anchors their professional learning goals in Performance feedback on teaching practice
and Development Plans (PDP) • collaborates with colleagues to trial and refine application of
• works collaboratively with colleagues on shared high impact teaching strategies
development goals. • seeks expert practitioner advice, coaching and mentoring.
Evidence base
• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). (2014). • Hattie, J. (2016). Shifting away from distractions to improve Australia’s
Disciplined Collaboration in Professional Learning. Retrieved 22 September schools. Jack Keating Memorial Lecture, Melbourne Graduate School of
2017 from: Education Dean’s Lecture Series. Retrieved 22 September 2017 from:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/disciplined- https://goodtogreatschools.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/John-Hattie-
collaboration-in-professional-learning Jack-Keating-Memorial-Lecture-2016-transcript.pdf
• Archer, J., Cantrell, S., Holtzman, S., Joe, J., Tocci, C., & Wood, J. (2016). Better • Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses
feedback for better teaching: A practical guide to improving classroom relating to achievement. Milton Park, UK: Routledge, p.22.
observations. Seattle: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. • Jensen, B., Sonnemann, J., Roberts-Hull, K., & Hunter, A. (2016). Beyond PD:
• DET. (2011). VEYLDF Evidence paper: Reflective practice. Retrieved 11 Teacher professional learning in high-performing systems, Australian edition.
September 2020 from: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/ Washington, DC: National Center on Education and the Economy. Retrieved
childhood/providers/edcare/evirefprac.pdf 11 September 2020 from:
https://www.ncee.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/BeyondPDWeb.pdf

‘The remarkable feature of the evidence is that the biggest effects
on student learning occur when teachers become learners of their
own teaching.’
- John Hattie, 2009

Watch the video of Professor John Hattie presenting findings Visit the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) page on the
reported in his book Visible Learning: Department’s website. Familiarise yourself with the PLC approach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pD1DFTNQf4 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/plc
Activity – two hours Activity – three team meetings
1. After watching the video, reflect on the strategies you currently 1. Working with your colleagues, either at a whole staff meeting or
use in your everyday practice, the evidence behind them, and PLC meeting, share your views on how the use of a collaborative
the known impact on student outcomes. approach to professional learning and a focus on evidence
based strategies can contribute to improved outcomes for
2. Access the High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) resource and
students and teachers in your school.
review the ten HITS:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/ 2. Using the PLC Maturity Matrix (available from the PLC page
teachingresources/practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx linked above):
3. Using the Continua of Practice provided with each of the HITS, • identify areas of strength and potential improvement for
conduct a self-assessment of your practice to identify areas of your school
strength and potential improvement.
• identify one or more areas requiring attention where you
4. Using your student assessment data and the results of your self- and your colleagues can contribute to improving whole
assessment, update your unit plans to enhance the use of one school practices
or more of the HITS. • establish your own norms for effectively running your PLC.
5. As you implement the unit, review your progress against the
HITS Continua of Practice. Use student data to monitor the
impact on student learning.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.1, 5.3,
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.3, 2.5 5.4
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.6 • Engage in professional learning – 6.2, 6.3, 6.4
community– 7.1, 7.4
Tools and resources

• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ • DET – VEYLDF Practice Guide and Video for “Partnerships with
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx Professionals”: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/edcare/
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: Pages/profresource.aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/ • DET – Professional Learning Communities: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/plc
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx • Evidence for Learning: Teaching and Learning Toolkit – Australia:
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 8 – Feedback, http://evidenceforlearning.org.au/the-toolkit/full-toolkit/
and Number 7 – Questioning: • AITSL Professional Practice Resource – Reframing feedback to improve
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ teaching and learning: Spotlight on feedback and assessment
practice/improve/Pages/hits.aspx https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/research-evidence/spotlight/
• DET – FISO improvement cycle: spotlight-feedback.pdf?sfvrsn=cb2eec3c_12
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/
• Marzano R.J. (2017). Using assessments. In Marzano, R.J. The new art and
improvement/Pages/improvement-cycle.aspx
science of teaching, Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker Brownlow Education, pp.
• DET - Peer observation: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/ 21-27.
teachers/teachingresources/practice/improve/Pages/
peerobservation.aspx

Community engagement in learning
8. Global citizenship is fostered through real

world contexts for learning
Theory of action
When students are empowered to recognise themselves as global citizens, they are more likely
to identify and understand a range of perspectives, develop solutions and take actions that
have a genuine impact on self and others.

Teachers support students to explore their role as global Teachers and students co-design learning that connects to
citizens real world contexts
• actively supports students to identify and share their own • integrates the learning areas and capabilities, and supports
stories, background and cultures students to identify learning connections across a range of
• acknowledges and integrates Indigenous cultural, historical contexts
and social perspectives in teaching and learning • supports students to identify and explore real world issues
• supports students to recognise their perspectives on issues and problems
• creates opportunities for students to investigate and • empowers students to take action to develop innovative
connect with community and action group endeavours. solutions that address local and global issues.
Teachers model and facilitate using digital tools and Teachers and students collaborate in learning partnerships
resources to access, use and share learning in and beyond the school
• models and facilitates technology use for investigation, • uses collaborative practices in the classroom
problem solving and knowledge construction • supports and facilitates local and global student
• models and encourages technology use that fosters connections with peers and experts
creativity and innovation • develops students’ skills and confidence to seek and sustain
• models and supports technology use for communication partnerships for learning.
• uses technology to connect students to real world contexts
and engage with authentic audiences.
Evidence base
• Hayden, M. (2016). A review of curriculum in the UK: Internationalising in a
changing context. Curriculum Journal, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 8-26.
• Lindsay, J. (2016). The global educator: Leveraging technology for
collaborative learning and teaching. Cheltenham, Australia: Hawker
Brownlow Education.
• Lindsay, J., & Davis, V.A. (2012). Flattening classrooms, engaging minds: Move
to global collaboration one step at a time. Toronto: Pearson.
• Otero, G. (2016). Connecting school, family and community: The power of
positive relationships. Centre for Strategic Education Seminar series. East
Melbourne.
• Joyce, B. Weil, M. Calhoun, E. (2014) Models of teaching. Pearson, p.9

‘We need each other, we always have, but the price of failure to work
with others near and far has become unsustainable. ’
- Joyce, Weil & Calhoun, 2014

Watch ruMAD? in action: 8 Keys to MADness: Watch two videos accessible via FUSE:
https://youtu.be/phQ7ZXnqXiw • Creating a mini-library for children in Malaysia – Grovedale
West Primary School (5 minutes):
Activity – one hour
http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?7G7NGB
1. As you watch the video, consider the following questions:
• Young minds of the future: Ringwood North, Canterbury and
• how does the initiative featured at the start of the video Chatham Primary Schools students collaborating to invent
encourage students to become global citizens? solutions to problems of the future (7 minutes):
• how do the 8 steps of the ruMAD? framework support http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?F9DHBJ
collaboration, real world learning and the use of technology
in the classroom? Activity – one Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting
• identify the key ways in which this framework match the Review both videos and consider the benefits of partnerships and
Actions and Indicators of this Principle? real world contexts in supporting learning that goes beyond the
• to what extent does your practice already embed aspects of classroom.
global citizenship? In your PLC, consider how you can extend the learning experience
2. After watching the video, review the resources available on the of students through opportunities that:
ruMAD? website: http://afairerworld.org/makingadifference/
• engage students in partnerships in real world contexts
3. As you review the resources, consider how you can use ruMAD • promote partnerships within and across schools
resources to foster global citizenship in your classroom and
address the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities, with a particular • integrate the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities into a learning
focus on Intercultural Capability: http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa. design for an investigation.
vic.edu.au/intercultural-capability/introduction/rationale-and- Support your inquiry by accessing examples and case studies from
aims FUSE that investigate learning experiences in which students:
• use technologies to communicate and engage with a
community outside their school
• collaborate with others
• support their learning by engaging with parents/carers or other
experts outside the school.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.2,
• Know the content and how to teach it – 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7
community – 7.1, 7.3, 7.4
Tools and resources • Global Education website is rich in projects, information and teaching
resources to assist schools in developing global citizenship:
• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ • Education for Intercultural Understanding, UNESCO:
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001890/189051E.pdf
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: • Are You Making a Difference? (ruMAD?) – Engaging young people in leading
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/ and learning: http://afairerworld.org/makingadifference/
improvement/Pages/continua.aspx
• Global2– information about social media and how to use it for good:
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 1 – Setting Goals, http://global2.vic.edu.au/
Number 4 – Worked Examples, and Number 5 – Collaborative Learning:
• iEARN website describes more than 100 active global projects:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ https://iearn.org/collaboration
• Educating for Global Competence: 6 Reasons, 7 Competencies, 8 Strategies,
• Internationalising Schooling Guide – pages 18-24 offer examples of how
9 Innovations:
to use ICT to make connections offshore:
http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/09/educating-for-global-competence-6-
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/ reasons-7-competencies-8-strategies-9-innovations/
management/Internationalisingguide.pdf

Community engagement in learning
9. Partnerships with parents and carers

enhance student learning
Theory of action
When teachers recognise the role of parents and carers as first educators and engage them in
school learning programs, students are more likely to experience an inclusive education within
and beyond the classroom.

Teachers establish open and sustained communications Teachers facilitate parent/carer involvement in education
with parents/carers within the classroom, school and beyond
• appreciates the uniqueness of each family and works to • actively engages parents/carers to establish aspirational
overcome potential challenges to establish and strengthen student learning goals and plan learning programs
partnerships • supports parents/carers with information, strategies and
• provides parents/carers with a range of communication resources to link school and home learning
channels to accommodate different needs • provides opportunities for parents/carers to contribute to
• provides regular updates on student progress, health school learning programs
and wellbeing, and information about school policies and • facilitates parental/carer participation in whole school
practice improvement, governance and initiatives.
• makes regular contact with parents/carers to celebrate
successes and identify concerns.
Action 9.2
Teachers seek and use parents’/carers’ knowledge

and feedback
• values the unique perspectives that parents/carers bring,
seeking insights on the strengths, abilities, interests and
challenges of each student
• consults with parents/carers to develop learning plans to
support student learning needs
• provides parents/carers with opportunities to present their
expectations, understanding and perspectives on their
child’s education
• invites parents/carers to provide feedback on school policies
and practices.
Evidence base
• Cox, D. (2005). Evidence-based interventions using home-school • Kalb, G., & van Ours, J. (2013). Reading to Young Children: A Head-Start in
collaboration. School Psychology Quarterly, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 473–497. Life? Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series, no. 17/13
• DET. (2011). VEYLDF Evidence paper: Partnerships with families. Retrieved • Redding, S., Langdon, J., Meyer, J., & Sheley, P. (2004). The effects of
24 January 2018 from: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/ comprehensive parent engagement on student learning outcomes.
edcare/Pages/profresource.aspx Presented at the American Educational Research Association convention,
• Henderson, A., & Mapp, K. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of San Diego, CA.
school, family, and community connections on student achievement. Austin, • Sheldon, S. B. (2007). Improving student attendance with school, family, and
TX: Southwest Educational Laboratory. community partnerships. The Journal of Educational Research, vol. 100, no.
• Jeynes, W. (2012). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of different types of pp. 5, 267–275.
parental involvement programs for urban students. Urban Education, vol. 47
no. 4, pp. 706–742.

‘When schools, families, and community groups work together to
support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school
longer, and like school more.’
- Henderson & Mapp, 2002

Watch the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s In your Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting, watch the
Engaging a parental community video: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s Engaging
parents and carers video:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/engaging-a-
parental-community-illustration-of-practice https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/engaging-
parents-and-carers-illustration-of-practice
Activity – approximately 45 minutes
1. As you watch the video take notes on the practices used by the
teachers in this video to engage parents. 1. After watching the video, refer to the Actions and Indicators.
Take notes on the strengths of the teacher practice featured in
2. After watching the video, refer to the Actions and Indicators and this illustration of practice.
reflect on
2. Reflect (individually or with your colleagues) on how this
• the strengths of each practice illustration of practice relates to your context. For instance:
• the practices you already use effectively
• what are the set protocols for communicating with parents/
• the practices that most closely relate to your context and carers?
would most benefit you and your students.
• are there any cultural factors and other challenges involved
3. From your reflection, identify ways you can enhance your in effectively engaging parents/carers in your community
communication with and engagement of parents/carers, and (e.g. language barrier, computer access)?
plan for the inclusion of new strategies in your daily practice.
• how do you work with parents/carers to overcome these
barriers?
3. From your reflection, identify ways you can enhance your
communication and engagement of parents/carers in your
community.

• Know students and how they learn – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 • Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning – 5.1,
• Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning – 3.1, 5.5
3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 • Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the
• Create and maintain supportive and safe learning community – 7.1, 7.3
environments – 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
Workplace Relations.
Tools and resources http://www.familyschool.org.au/files/3013/8451/8364/Family-school_
partnerships_framework.pdf
• DET – Practice Principles – Diagnostic Tools: https:// • Department of Education and Training, Canberra – Parent Engagement in
www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ Learning: https://www.education.gov.au/parent-engagement-learning-0
practice/improve/Pages/principlesexcellence.aspx • Parenting Resource Centre: http://www.parentingrc.org.au/
• DET – FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement: http://www.
• Read about Progressing Parent Engagement in the ACT project conducted
education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/improvement/Pages/
continua.aspx by Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY). Find helpful
factsheets and other resources for teachers and parents at the bottom of
• DET – High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) Number 10 – Differentiated
the webpage:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/ https://www.aracy.org.au/the-nest-in-action/education-capital-act
• Join a free Australian Parent Engagement Network (part of the Parent
• DET - VEYLDF Practice Guide and video for “Partnerships with Families”:
Engagement Project undertaken by ARACY) to communicate with
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/learning/ educators, parents, policy-makers, community organisations and others
Pages/veyldfproflearn.aspx interested in parent engagement in children’s learning:
• Find useful information to help you develop successful partnerships with https://www.aracy.org.au/the-nest-in-action/australian-parent-engagement-
parents/carers in Family – School Partnerships Framework developed by network
the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and

Appendix 1 - Principles aligned with Victorian and national
frameworks and initiatives
FISO VEYLDF
Education
Principles FISO Priority FISO Dimension Essential Practice Australian Professional Standards
State Targets
Elements Principles
Know students and how they learn - 1.2,

Intellectual
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
engagement
Know the content and how to teach it -
and self-
2.12.2, 2.3, 2.6
1. High awareness
Plan for and implement effective
expectations for
teaching and learning - 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4,
every student High 3.5, 3.6
promote expectations
Create and maintain supportive and
intellectual for every child safe learning environments - 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
engagement and
Assess, provide feedback and report
self-awareness Setting on student learning - 5.1, 5.2, 5.4
expectations
Engage professionally with colleagues,
and promoting Whole school parents/carers and the community
inclusion approach to - 7.1, 7.2
Breaking the
health, wellbeing,
link
inclusion and
engagement
Equity and Know students and how they learn - 1.1,
diversity 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
Know the content and how to teach
Positive Climate it - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,2.4
High
for Learning
2. A supportive and expectations Plan for and implement effective
Setting for every child
teaching and learning - 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4,
productive learning 3.5, 3.6, 3.7
expectations
environment
and promoting Create and maintain supportive and
promotes inclusion Partnerships
inclusion safe learning environments - 4.1, 4.2
and collaboration with families
Assess, provide feedback and report
on student learning - 5.2
Partnerships Engage professionally with colleagues,
with parents/carers and the community
professionals - 7.3
Student voice,
leadership Know students and how they learn -
and agency in Respectful 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
3. Student own learning relationships Plan for and implement effective
voice, agency Empowering activated so that and responsive teaching and learning - 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4,
Happy, 3.5, 3.6
and leadership students and students have engagement
healthy and
empower students building school positive school Create and maintain supportive and
resilient kids High
and build school pride experiences safe learning environments
pride and can act expectations - 4.1, 4.2,
as partners for every child Assess, provide feedback and report
in school on student learning - 5.2, 5.4, 5.5
improvement
Reflective
Setting practice Know students and how they learn
expectations - 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
and promoting Know the content and how to teach it -
Integrated
inclusion 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
4. Curriculum Documented teaching
and learning Plan for and implement effective
planning and curriculum plan,
Excellence in approaches
teaching and learning - 3.2
implementation assessment Learning for
Teaching & Assess, provide feedback and report
engages and and shared life
Learning on student learning - 5.1, 5.4
challenges all pedagogical Assessment for
students approaches Engage in professional learning
learning and
- 6.2, 6.3
Curriculum development
Engage professionally with colleagues,
planning &
parents/carers and the community
assessment Equity and - 7.4
diversity

FISO VEYLDF
Education
Principles FISO Priority FISO Dimension Essential Practice Australian Professional Standards
State Targets
Elements Principles
Curriculum
planning &
assessment Know students and how they learn
- 1.2, 1.3, 1.5
5. Deep learning
challenges
it - 2.1. 2.3, 2.6
students to
Plan for and implement effective
construct and
teaching and learning - 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
apply new
knowledge Create and maintain supportive
Integrated and safe learning environments
Intellectual Documented teaching - 4.1
engagement curriculum and learning
and self- plan, approaches
awareness assessment
and shared Respectful
pedagogical relationships
approaches and responsive
engagement Know students and how they learn
- 1.3, 1.5,
it - 2.2, 2.3,
6. Rigorous Excellence in Plan for and implement effective
assessment Learning teaching and learning - 3.6
Teaching & Evaluating
practices and for life
Learning impact on Assess, provide feedback and
feedback inform report on student learning - 5.1, 5.2,
learning
teaching and 5.3, 5.4, 5.5
learning Engage in professional learning -
6.2, 6.3, 6.4
Engage professionally with
colleagues, parents/carers and the
community - 7.4
Evidence Integrated Know students and how they learn

based high teaching
- 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
impact and learning Know the content and how to teach
teaching approaches it - 2.3, 2.5
7. Evidence- strategies Plan for and implement effective
based teaching and learning - 3.6
Respectful
strategies drive Assess, provide feedback and
relationships
professional report on student learning - 5.1,
and responsive
practice 5.3, 5.4
engagement
improvement Engage in professional learning -
Building 6.2, 6.3, 6.4
practice Partnerships
Engage professionally with
excellence with colleagues, parents/carers and the
professionals community - 7.1, 7.4
Know students and how they learn

Global - 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
Respectful
8. Global citizenship Know the content and how to teach
relationships
citizenship it - 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6
and responsive
is fostered Plan for and implement effective
engagement
through real teaching and learning - 3.2, 3.3, 3.4,
world contexts Building 3.6, 3.7
for learning Equity and
communities Engage professionally with
diversity colleagues, parents/carers and the
Whole school community - 7.1, 7.3, 7.4
approach Pride and
Community Know students and how they learn-
to health, confidence
Engagement 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
wellbeing in our Partnerships
in Learning Plan for and implement effective
inclusion and schools with families teaching and learning - 3.1, 3.2, 3.4,
engagement 3.5, 3.7
9. Partnerships
with parents Parents and Partnerships Create and maintain supportive
and carers carers as with and safe learning environments
enhance partners professionals - 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
student learning Assess, provide feedback and
report on student learning- 5.1, 5.5
Equity and
diversity Engage professionally with
colleagues, parents/carers and the
community - 7.1, 7.3


Practice Principles For Excellence in Teaching and Learning

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Practice Principles For Excellence in Teaching and Learning

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PRACTICE PRINCIPLES FOR

Vision for Learning

4. Curriculum planning and

8. Global citizenship is fostered

2 | Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

• Australian Professional Standards for Teachers