Funding for schemes to help improve literacy and numeracy results in Australian schools will continue under the Gillard Government, with $243 million provided over the next 18 months.

School Education Minister Peter Garrett said the funding is intended to further the work that has taken place under the four-year, $540 million Smarter Schools National Partnership for Literacy and Numeracy.

“Under the partnership, 1100 schools received support to develop and trial a range of programs to help boost reading, writing and maths. Schools have been able to hire literacy and numeracy coaches; develop individual learning plans for students who need extra help; and purchase resources to assist students struggling with core skills,” he said.

“Since the program began in 2008 we’ve seen some great results. For example, 70 per cent of participating schools improved in Year 3 reading, while 75 per cent improved in Year 5 maths.

“Reading, writing and maths are the basic building blocks of every education. We know how important the Gillard Government’s investment in literacy and numeracy has been in boosting student achievement, and we want to ensure that concerted action on literacy and numeracy continues and that Australian school students continue to benefit.

“The first four years of the National Partnership has helped build an evidence base about what works in our schools. Moving into the next phase of the scheme will see us invest to embed these successful programs across the school sector.”

Mr Garrett said the Gillard Government will now begin negotiations with the states and territories to decide how the money will be allocated.

The $243 million will support programs in schools between July 2012 and December 2013.

For more information on the Smarter Schools National Partnerships, including funding for teacher quality schemes and disadvantaged schools, visit www.smarterschools.gov.au.