Mar, 2013: Heard about the MultiLit Literacy Centre on the Radio?
Call 1300 660 680 for more information about programs or to book an assessment. |
Feb, 2013: MultiLit named in Prime Minister’s announcement of reading blitz
There have been a number of references to MultiLit in media posts about the announcement of PM Julia Gillard’s ‘reading blitz’. The Australian Prime Minister announced a program to help children develop basic reading skills based on the Gonski review of school funding. In an interview with the PM and Minister Peter Garrett, Garrett stated that the blitz will involve using specific measures, including the application of phonics and literacy learning mentioning MultiLit as an example, and monitoring students’ progress. For more information about the announcement and references to MultiLit, see the following sources:
“Government announces plans for ‘reading blitz’ to include MultiLit”, Macquarie University Newsroom, 26th February 2013.
“Literacy a priority”, The Alan Jones Breakfast Show, 2GB, 26th February 2013.
Michael in the morning, 4RO Rockhampton, 25th February 2013.
“Education, back to basics”, The Alan Jones Breakfast Show, 2GB, 25th February 2013.
“Schools to conduct reading blitz”, The Daily Telegraph, 25th February 2013.
“Julia Gillard’s $1 billion reading blitz”, The Australian, 24th February 2013.
“Julia Gillard’s $1 billion reading blitz”, The Sunday Telegraph, 24th February 2013.
“PM’s schools reform”, Sunday Mail Adelaide, 24th February 2013.
“PM’s $1b reading blitz”, Sunday Telegraph, 24th February 2013.
“Reading blitz in back-to-basics push”, Sunday Herald Sun, 24th February 2013.
“Gillard spells out reading blitz plan”, Sunday Tasmanian, 24th February 2013.
“PM’s $1b reading blitz”, Sunday Times, 24th February 2013.
PM Julia Gillard asks schools to sign up to a back to basics reading skills program developed by Macquarie University in exchange for additional funding. Weekend Sunrise, Channel 7 (Sydney), 24th February 2013.
“Transcript of Joint Doorstop Interview”, http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/transcript-joint-doorstop-interview-6, 24th February 2013. |
Dec, 2012: Reading: Breaking Through the Barriers. A Discussion Guide for Parents and Teachers -
MultiLit has recently republished a useful guide to provide parents and teachers with more information about the process of learning to read. Originally published in Canada, this guide has been adapted to suit the Australian context and provides background knowledge about the reading process and presents some research in the area. The release of this guide to Australian audiences is an appropriate close to the National Year of Reading in 2012. To download a copy of the guide, click here. |
Oct, 2012: PreLit Professional Development Workshops -
The recently launched PreLit Early Literacy Preparation Program for preschool children is proving to be very popular with the first Sydney Professional Development workshop (held 12th October) sold out. As a result, we have scheduled two additional Sydney workshops for 12th November and 10th December. Places are limited so please complete the Order/Registration form with your full details to book your place now. |
Oct, 2012: MultiLit Literacy Centre Open Day -
The MultiLit Literacy Centre is holding an Open Day for parents and carers on Saturday 3rd November 2012 at 12pm. A short information session will be followed by a demonstration lesson. Our Online Program will also feature. Please register your interest at reading.centre@multilit.com or call 1300 55 99 19. |
Sep, 2012: The PreLit Program -
MultiLit is proud to announce the launch of our latest literacy program – PreLit – a skills-based, early literacy preparation program for preschool children in the year before school.
PreLit is designed to provide children with a sound foundation for learning to read and complements a play-based learning environment. It can be taught to a whole class, small groups or individually.
The program consists of a comprehensive Starter Kit containing the program materials and is supported by a one-day Professional Development Workshop to ensure the maximum success in implementing PreLit. Bookings for attending workshops can be made now by visiting the Prices, Order Forms & Registration page on this website. The workshop dates are:
| 12 Oct | NSW | Macquarie Park |
| 16 Oct | VIC | Melbourne |
| 30 Oct | QLD | Brisbane |
| 30 Oct | SA | Adelaide |
| 6 Dec | WA | Perth |
For further information please contact us by going to the Contact page on this website. |
Sep, 2012: Book now for Spring School Holiday Programs in our Reading Centre -
MultiLit offers intensive school holiday programs for students of all ages. The Reading Centre will be running programs daily throughout the upcoming school holidays (Monday 24th September to Friday 5th October). Programs include the Reading Tutor Program, Word Attack Extension Program, MiniLit Program, Comprehension and our Online Programs. Enquire now to book your placement test on (02) 9886 6600 or email reading.centre@multilit.com. |
Aug, 2012: Why our kids still cannot read -
Jennifer Buckingham comments on the results of the recent report released by the NSW Auditor-General. She reiterates findings that poor Indigenous literacy is due to poor instruction and mentions successful work carried out by Professor Kevin Wheldall and Dr Robyn Wheldall with Indigenous students. For more information, Read the article. |
Aug, 2012: Editorial, closing the gap -
An editorial details Professor Wheldall and MultiLit’s achievements in improving literacy skills of Indigenous students without culturally appropriate instruction following a report revealing the lack of progress made in closing the gap. Read the editorial. |
Aug, 2012: Front page news: Culturally appropriate instruction not effective -
Professor Wheldall was quoted on effective instruction in a front page article on the failure of culturally appropriate literacy instruction for Indigenous students in closing the gap. This follows the release of a report by the NSW Auditor-General on the lack of progress made by Indigenous students despite aims to close the gap. Read the article. |
Jul, 2012: Statwell Primary School -
Families and teachers celebrate students’ hard work to improve their literacy skills with the MultiLit Reading Tutor Program. Read the article. |
Jul, 2012: Improving literacy standards –
In their Autumn 2012 Bulletin, the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation reported that the Yule Brook College and East Maddington Primary School are working together to improve literacy standards using MultiLit programs. For more information, click here. |
Jun, 2012: MultiLit Moments is out now –
MultiLit Moments is our regular newsletter for parents and teachers. The June 2012 edition carries stories on our new partnership with the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the outstanding results for MiniLit in the Reading Centre, RTPonline among others. Pick up your new copy right here. |
Jun, 2012: Literacy Assessments –
The MultiLit Reading Centre offers literacy assessments during the week and on selected Saturdays. Full literacy assessment are undertaken at the MultiLit Reading Centre to determine the correct placement in the Reading Tutor Program. Bookings can be made by contacting reception on 1300 55 99 19. |
Mar, 2012: Canterbury Boys High -
Students at Canterbury Boys High School show high gains after receiving instruction under MultiLit’s Reading Tutor Program. For more information, click here. |
Mar, 2012: Emeritus Professor -
Professor Kevin Wheldall has been appointed an Emeritus Professor of Education by Macquarie University. At its meeting held on Wednesday 22 February 2012, Macquarie University Council, on the recommendation of the Academic Senate resolved to approve the awarding of the title of Emeritus Professor to Professor Kevin Wheldall. At the University Council meeting Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Steven Schwartz commended Professor Wheldall for his significant contribution as an outstanding researcher, Director of the Macquarie University Special Education Centre and community outreach in support of improving literacy for disadvantaged children. |
Mar, 2012: Professional Development Success -
MultiLit professional development workshops get the thumbs up from teachers. For more information, click here. |
Mar, 2012: Lee Mills Award Winner -
Georgia Callaghan, Senior Product Development Manager, has been awarded the Lee Mills Prize by the NSW Chapter of the Australian Association for Special Education for her research article written with her research supervisor, Dr Alison Madelaine. For more information, see the recent issue of MultiLit Moments. |
Feb, 2012: Stroke Victim Improves Reading -
MultiLit Reading Centre took on a Year 3 stroke victim to help her catch up on reading. Read the article. |
Feb, 2012: Working With Exodus -
The Exodus Foundation continues work with MultiLit to improve literacy skills of disadvantaged students. For more information, click here. |
Jan, 2012: Coonabarrabran High -
MultiLit programs help students to succeed at Coonabarrabran High School. For more information,
click here. |
Nov, 2011: MiniLit Program Released -
The new MiniLit Early Literacy Intervention Program was released. |
Nov, 2011: MRU Symposia -
MRU presented symposia to academic and teacher audiences in Melbourne and Sydney. For more information, click here. |
Oct, 2011: MultiLit Online -
MultiLit goes online. The release of MultiLit’s new online program will provide students living in remote areas access to effective literacy instruction without them having to leave their chairs. For more information, click here. |
Mar, 2011: ‘Mornings with Margaret Throsby’ -
Professor Kevin Wheldall was the guest of Margaret Throsby on ‘Mornings with Margaret Throsby’ on ABC Classic FM. For more information, click here. |
Jan, 2011: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) -
Professor Kevin Wheldall was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). For more information, click here. |
May, 2010: MultiLit in Arnhem Land -
MultiLit was introduced to a community in Baniyala in East Arnhem Land to interested adults as a means of improving their literacy skills. For more information, see the front page of the 2011 issue of
May, 2009: Macquarie University Hall of Fame -
Professor Kevin Wheldall initiated in to Macquarie University Hall of Fame. For more information, click here. |
