“It grew from our recognition that if literacy outcomes were to improve, we needed clarity about what worked,” says Falkenberg. “By focusing on the ‘Big Six’ of reading — oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension — schools could better target their efforts and resources.” The initiative exemplifies APPA’s commitment to evidence-informed practice, collaboration, and practical professional learning that improves teaching and learning outcomes. CHAMPIONING EQUITY AND ACCESS A central focus for APPA is equity in education. Australia’s “long tail of underachievement” continues to reflect the persistent gap between students in affluent communities and those in disadvantaged, regional, remote, or First Nations contexts. “Achievement shouldn’t be determined by postcode,” Falkenberg says.“But too often, children affected by poverty or isolation start behind — and the system isn’t structured to help them catch up.” APPA highlights the compounding effects of inequity, from limited access to healthcare and early assessments to housing instability and parental stress. She recalls an example from South Australia where a collaborative study found that one in four children in low-SES schools had undetected vision issues, compared to far lower rates in wealthier areas. “These are children who are being underserved — not because schools don’t care, but because they’re already stretched,” she says. “Schools are filling the gaps left by other systems, often coordinating health or social services without additional resources. It’s unsustainable.” Through advocacy and research, APPA continues to call for cross-sector partnerships and wholeof-society approaches that support schools as community hubs — places where families can access educational, health, and wellbeing services in one trusted environment. THRIVE BY FIVE AND BEYOND In 2019, APPA launched Thrive by Five, a national discussion paper emphasizing five foundational pillars of early development — play, talk, eat, read, and sleep — in response to increasing developmental vulnerability among young children. The initiative underlines the association’s belief that education reform must begin long before formal schooling. “Early investment pays dividends,” says Falkenberg. “Countries like Finland, which spend nearly three 42 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 10
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