This school has turned the page on its poor reading results
The Grange P–12 College in Australia significantly improved student literacy rates by treating reading as a standalone subject rather than integrating it into English classes. The school's success suggests that direct, systematic instruction is more effective for struggling readers.
Why it matters
This case study provides a potential model for educational reform to address declining literacy benchmarks in secondary schools.
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Share A A A Going back to the book to treat reading as a standalone subject has helped one school turn around desperate literacy levels over the past two years, and may offer evidence for others to follow.
Almost a quarter of students at The Grange P–12 College started year 7 reading at a prep-to-grade 2 level in 2024, providing educators with evidence that a complete overhaul of its literacy program was required.
The Grange P-12 College core literacy co-ordinator Clara Tran with year 7 and year 8 students. Joe Armao In response, the Hoppers Crossing school expanded a trial to treat reading as a standalone subject, and saw an immediate boost in NAPLAN literacy results across year levels in 2026.
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