Victorian teaching and learning information for parents and carers

Excellence in every classroom across Victoria.

Victorian schools are strengthening teaching and learning to help every student succeed.

This page explains the key reforms supporting teaching in Victorian government schools and what they may mean for your child.

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The Education State

On 23 October 2024, the Minister for Education launched The Education State: Excellence in Every Classroom.

The strategy was developed with input from Victorian students, families, teachers and school leaders across Victoria.

The Education State sets out five priorities for improving education outcomes across the state. One of these priorities is excellence in teaching and learning.

This priority focuses on ensuring teachers have the tools, knowledge and support they need to deliver high-quality teaching in every classroom.

To support this priority, the department is:

Victorian Curriculum F–10 2.0

The VCAA develops the curriculum used in Victorian schools.

The Victorian Curriculum F–10 2.0 adapts the Australian Curriculum for Victoria. It outlines the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn during their first 11 years of schooling.

Assessment tools are also being updated so they align with the new curriculum. These tools are available to schools across all Victorian education sectors.

Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0

Evidence-based teaching

Victorian government schools are strengthening teaching practices based on research about how students learn.

The VTLM 2.0 provides guidance for teachers and school leaders on effective classroom practice informed by how students learn best.

This includes:

  • using quality teaching and learning resources
  • whole school routines for positive behaviour
  • a focus on explicit teaching
  • opportunities for students to practice and receive feedback
  • additional support or extension for students who need it.

Why teaching practices are changing

Research continues to improve our understanding of how students learn best.

Students enter school with different experiences and knowledge. They may also learn at different rates.

However, research shows that all students benefit from:

  • clear explanations of new ideas
  • structured practice
  • opportunities to apply learning in different contexts.

The department worked with the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) to identify teaching practices with strong evidence of effectiveness. These practices underpin the VTLM 2.0.

How the changes are being introduced

Schools may introduce these approaches in different ways depending on their students and community.

School leaders and teachers will consider what works best for their students and communities. They are supported by the department and by resources such as the Victorian Lesson Plans.

All Victorian government schools are working towards full implementation of the VTLM 2.0 by 2028.

What this may look like for your child

Your child may notice some changes in their classroom learning.

For example, they may experience:

  • consistent classroom routines across the school
  • clear explanations of lesson goals
  • lessons that build on previous learning
  • teachers introducing new ideas in small steps
  • more opportunities to practice new skills
  • time to apply learning independently.

These approaches help students build confidence and develop deeper understanding.

How this supports student learning

The teaching practices in the VTLM 2.0 help students:

  • connect new learning to what they already know
  • understand concepts more clearly
  • remember learning over time
  • apply knowledge in different situations with confidence.

As students experience success, they often develop stronger confidence and motivation to learn.

Learn more about the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0.

Victorian Lesson Plans

The department provides teachers with Victoria's Lesson Plans to support classroom teaching.

These teaching and learning resources align with both:

  • Victorian Curriculum F–10 2.0
  • Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0

Victorian Lesson Plans support teachers by:

  • providing high-quality classroom resources
  • supporting consistent teaching approaches across schools
  • reducing time spent preparing lessons
  • allowing teachers to focus more on student learning.

More than 4,000 lesson plans are now available across several learning areas, including:

  • Mathematics (including retrieval practice resources)
  • English (including Phonics Plus)
  • Science
  • Design and Technologies
  • Digital Technologies
  • resources supporting Foundation to Levels A–D.

All Victorian Lesson Plans will be available by 30 June 2026.

Reading and phonics plus

Victorian reading position and Phonics Plus program

Strong literacy skills are essential for learning across all subjects.

Since Term 1 2025, Victorian government schools have been teaching early reading using a systematic synthetic phonics approach in Prep to Year 2.

Students receive at least 25 minutes of daily phonics instruction.

Systematic phonics helps students learn how sounds link to letters so they can read words accurately.

The departments Phonics Plus program provides a structured literacy program aligned with Victoria's approach to teaching reading F–2. Schools may use this program or another program that aligns with the reading position.

Effective reading programs also include explicit teaching of:

  • oral language
  • vocabulary
  • reading fluency
  • comprehension.

Resources for parents and carers include:

Year 1 Phonics Check

The Victorian Year 1 Phonics Check is a short assessment that helps teachers understand how students are progressing with phonics.

The check supports teachers to:

  • assess students’ phonics knowledg
  • identify areas where support may be needed
  • plan future teaching.

Foundation Assessment – Literacy

Since Term 1 2026, schools have had access to the Foundation Assessment – Literacy (FA-L).

This optional assessment replaces the English Online Interview.

The FA-L helps teachers understand how Prep students are developing early reading skills.

Together with the Year 1 Phonics Check, it supports early identification of reading development and targeted teaching support.

Mathematics teaching in Victorian schools

Victorian teaching and learning in mathematics

The Victorian mathematics position statement outlines how schools support strong mathematics learning in every Victorian government school classroom.

Schools use evidence-based teaching practices aligned with the Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics 2.0 and the VTLM 2.0.

This includes:

  • explicit teaching of key concepts and skills
  • structured learning sequences
  • regular practice and review.

The Victoria's Lesson Plans support mathematics teaching and are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics 2.0.

Mathematics concepts become more complex as students move through school. Strong foundations in the early years help students build confidence and understanding.

All students can learn mathematics successfully with the right support and opportunities to practice.

Mathematics and numeracy at home

As your child’s first teacher, you help them build strong numeracy skills.

Parents and carers play an important role in helping children feel confident with mathematics. This support matters for all children. It is especially important for girls and students with disabilities, who may feel more anxious about mathematics.

You can help your child learn maths through simple activities at home. For example, you might measure ingredients when cooking, weigh food, plan a trip together or keep score during a sports game.

The department has also developed videos and practical resources to support families. These can be found on the Mathematics and numeracy at home page.

These everyday moments help children practice maths in a fun and meaningful way. They also help children see that maths is useful in daily life.

Education & training

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