Project Details

Overview

The Learning Progressions provide a framework that shows what adult learners know and can do at successive points as they develop their expertise in literacy learning.

In this resource collection you will find framework documents and supporting resources for educators relating to the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy. The framework can be used as a guide to identifying the next steps for adult learners.

Aims

The Learning Progressions are neither a curriculum, nor a teaching and learning programme. Teachers and managers of adult literacy learners are invited to use the Progressions as a basis for developing or adapting their own curricula, programmes, assessment tools and teaching and learning activities.

The Progressions can be used in many different adult learning settings. They can be used to:

  • gain a basic picture of an adult learner’s current skills, strategies and knowledge in literacy
  • identify the literacy demands of specific workplace, community, or personal tasks and texts, and
  • provide a sequence for teaching and learning programmes and suggestions to use in designing such programmes.

Support for educators

For many more resources, courses and support for educators, check out Manako – Ako Aotearoa's programme for educators working with adult language, literacy and numeracy learners.

Visit Manako »

Key Points to Note:

The Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy have four strands:

In the resources section you can download the introductory guide as well as the guidelines to each strand and printable versions of the strand charts. There is also a range of supporting resources in this collection, including Learner Profiles, audio files for the Listen and Speak to Communicate activities, and a glossary of terms for educators. 

Getting Started

Starting Points | Supporting the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy gives tertiary educators a framework to work with learners who are operating below the steps described in the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy. It describes the prerequisite skills and understandings needed to decode and write basic words.

The Starting Points Assessment Guide provides suggestions for assessing adults who are operating at this level. To learn more about working with learners whose reading skills are at entry level, check out our professional learning 'Reading' modules.

Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy

Introductory guide outlining the Literacy Learning Progressions for tertiary educators. A must-read and useful starting point for anyone interested in knowing more about the Learning Progressions and how to embed literacy into their teaching practice.

  • 30 June 2008
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Starting Points | Supporting the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy

Gives tertiary educators a framework for the prerequisite skills and understandings needed to decode and write basic words. A must-read and useful starting point for educators of adult learners who are beginning to read and write.

  • 30 June 2008
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Starting Points | Assessment Guide

Gives tertiary teachers a framework for assessing adults who are beginning to read and write. A must-read and useful starting point for anyone interested in supporting adults who operate below the steps described in the Learning Progressions.

  • 30 June 2010
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The Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT)

 This mostly online tool can assess adult reading, writing, numeracy, and vocabulary skills. It is based on the Adult Learning Progressions framework.

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Teaching Adults to Read With Understanding | Using the Learning Progressions

Introduces and explains the ‘Read With Understanding’ strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy. A practical how-to guide, it covers topics such as how to use the resource, assessment, as well as a range of guided teaching and learning activities to use in class.

  • 30 June 2008
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Teaching Adults to Write to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions

Introduces and explains the ‘Write to Communicate’ strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy. A practical how-to guide, it covers topics such as how to use the resource, assessment, as well as a range of guided teaching and learning activities to use in class.

  • 30 June 2008
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Teaching Adults to Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions

Introduces and explains the ‘Listen and Speak to Communicate’ strands of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy. A practical how-to guide, it covers topics such as how to use the resource, assessment, as well as a range of guided teaching and learning activities to use in class.

  • 30 June 2008
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Read With Understanding | Learning Progressions strand chart

Printable chart for educators to use showing the steps in the 'Read with Understanding' strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy.

  • 30 June 2006
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Write to Communicate | Learning Progressions strand chart

Printable chart for educators to use showing the steps in the 'Write to Communicate' strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy.

  • 30 June 2006
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Speak to Communicate | Learning Progressions strand chart

Printable chart showing the steps in the 'Speak to Communicate' strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy.

  • 30 June 2008
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Listen with Understanding | Learning Progressions strand chart

Printable chart for educators to use showing the steps in the 'Listen with Understanding' strand of the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy.

  • 30 June 2008
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Learner Profiles | Read with Understanding

The 'Learner Profiles' describe what adult learners can do at steps 1 to 6 on the Learning Progressions for reading. They provide a broad set of examples of what learners can do at each step.

  • 1 December 2010
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Learner Profiles - strengths and areas for development | Read with Understanding

The profiles describe the strengths and development areas a learner might have in reading at each of the 6 steps in the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy 'Read with Understanding' strand.

  • 30 July 2016
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Learner Profiles | Write to Communicate

The 'Learner Profiles' describe what adult learners can do at steps 1 to 6 on the Learning Progressions for writing. They provide a broad set of examples of what learners can do at each step.

  • 1 December 2010
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Builder's Recent Accident | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

An interview in which a builder tells an interviewer about a recent accident he had on-site. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Builder's Accident 20 Years Ago | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

An interview in which a builder tells an interviewer about an accident 20 years ago. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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One of Those Days | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

Rap song by Yes King. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Radio News Report | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A recording of a news bulletin with several news stories. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Tutor Instructs Group | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A file in which a tutor explains what is required for the next assignment. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Shopper’s Complaint | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A file in which a shop assistant and shopper disagree about faulty goods. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Movieline Telephone Message | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A recorded message listing all movies and times of screenings for the next two days. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Lecture About the Display of Human Remains | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

An extract from a lecture about Te Papa exhibits. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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In-flight Safety Instructions | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A recording of the routine safety reminders and instructions for a flight. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Builder and Apprentice | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A conversation in which a builder and his apprentice discuss the next steps in a job. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Movie Discussion | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

A conversation between three friends who talk about a movie they have all seen (Second Hand Wedding). A supporting resource for Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Lecture About Whales | Literacy Learning Progressions resource

An extract from a radio science lecture about whales. A supporting resource for activities found in Listen and Speak to Communicate | Using the Learning Progressions. It can be used for a range of activities, assessing listening skills or to use as mapping example.

  • 30 June 2008
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Audio File Transcripts | Literacy Learning Progressions

Transcripts for the 12 audio tracks that support the Teaching Adults to Listen and Speak to Communicate Learning Progressions guide.

  • 30 June 2008
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Adult literacy teaching and learning glossary

A glossary of terms for educators, to support literacy teaching and learning for adults.

  • 25 June 2008
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Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy and Numeracy | Background information

Provides the theoretical basis for the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy and Numeracy – for each strand and for the progressions within each strand.

  • 30 June 2008
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Māori and Pacific learner success in foundation learning

Resources, courses, and research you can use to develop your cultural capability, to support your Māori and Pacific learners in their learning journey.

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Adult language, literacy and numeracy resources

Resources for people working with adult learners, including resources on embedding language, literacy and numeracy in a range of contexts and supporting neurodivergent learners.

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Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy and Numeracy

The Progressions provide a framework for educators to use in supporting adult learners' literacy and numeracy learning needs.

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'Collections' reader series for adult literacy

'Collections' includes books, audio, and educator support resources tailored to adult learners, in New Zealand contexts.

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IN-HOUSE COURSE

Getting Started | Adult literacy and numeracy

Learn the basics of teaching adult literacy and numeracy, including definitions, frameworks and factors that contribute to low adult learning outcomes.

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IN-HOUSE COURSE

Getting started | Mapping literacy and numeracy demands

Learn how to map the literacy and numeracy demands of your training or education programme.

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