Centres of Research Excellence Fund

2006 Expressions of Interest

National Centre of Excellence for Research on Children's Language and Literacy  (nCERCLL)

Director:  Prof. Tom Nicholson / Distinguished Prof.Bill Tunmer
Host:        Massey University

Partners:   Otago University
                 The University of Waikato
                 The University of Auckland
                 University of Canterbury
                 Haskins Laboratories
                 The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract:

New Zealand, for almost two decades, has shown a wide gap in reading achievement compared with other countries. There are more good readers but there are also relatively more poor readers than is the case in other countries of similar economic ranking. Statistics have persistently shown that 15-20 percent of children struggle with literacy. The problem of illiteracy is even worse among low-income, Maori, and Pasifika children.

The CoRE will focus its efforts on research that will close the literacy gap. Its research program will extend from explorations of basic neurological and language processes through to pedagogical interventions in school contexts.

The FOUR goals of the CoRE – Literacy will be:

1. A developmental model of language and literacy processes. This will include basic, experimental, and quasi-experimental research, including the use of neuroscience techniques, in key areas known to be important for language and literacy development such as phonological awareness.
2. Development of a strategy to overcome the educational and social disadvantages faced by new entrants with limited literate cultural capital (e.g., books in homes, parent support, etc) so that all children have the same chance of becoming literate no matter what cultural or social background they come from.
3. Development of practical intervention research programmes based on scientific research using randomised controlled studies that have the potential to close the literacy gap.
4. Development of assessment measures that will give early warning of children at-risk of having problems with language and literacy. This CoRE will put key assessment indicators with easy reach of teachers through computerised technology.

The CoRE will enable leading researchers in this country and overseas to coordinate basic research and controlled studies in literacy so as to find new solutions to problems that have been resistant to previous policy developments in the education sector.