Tracks to Two-Way learning-a very useful resource to aid teachers and education leaders

At the recent ACTA conference (2012), we were thrilled to attend a stimulating session on the Tracks to Two-Way Learning by a dynamic team of linguists and educators- Patricia Konigsberg, Dr. Judith Rochecouste, Glenys Collard & Coral Brockman from Edith Cowan and Monash Universities.
Together with the Western Australian ABC of Two-Way Literacy and Learning , they developed a professional learning manual to aid teachers, and education leaders to affect change in their learning environments. The rationale is based on the principles of the ABC of Two-Way literacy and learning programme, underpinned by action research and curriculum development with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educators in WA Education Department schools and VET sector.
The ABC is based on:
• A for acceptance of Aboriginal English;
• B for bridging to Standard Australian English; and
• C for cultivating Aboriginal ways of approaching experience and knowledge.
The ABC of Two-Way Literacy and Learning professional development program is aimed at making the curriculum more linguistically and culturally inclusive for all students. It provides training for teachers, Aboriginal Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers, Education Assistants and Other Student Support Staff in supporting Aboriginal students who speak Standard Australian English as a second language.
This resource contains developmental stage maps to assess their staff needs, professional learning modules, and teacher resources and more information can be found on the National Library of Australia trove website: http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/36253312?versionId=46396572 or here :http://moodle.westone.wa.gov.au/pluginfile.php/628/block_html/content/Two%20Tracks%20Flyer_2.pdf
It’s always exciting to hear about the work of dedicated educators working towards expanding the opportunities for more inclusive and cohesive classrooms for all Australian learners!