ASQA Standards for Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Support in VET

The role of language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) in vocational education and training (VET) is critical to ensuring that learners have the foundational skills required to successfully participate in training, complete assessments, and thrive in their respective workplaces. As part of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) regulations, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to meet specific standards when it comes to providing LLN support to their learners.

This article provides a detailed overview of the ASQA Standards for Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) Support, how RTOs can meet these standards, and the importance of LLN support in the context of VET.

Understanding the Importance of LLN Support in VET

Language, literacy, and numeracy are essential skills that underpin many aspects of vocational education and work life. LLN support aims to assist students who may struggle with reading, writing, numeracy, speaking, listening, or understanding training content. Without adequate LLN support, students may face significant challenges in meeting the learning and assessment requirements of their courses.

LLN support ensures that all learners, regardless of their initial skill levels, can access training and assessment in a way that aligns with their needs. This support is particularly crucial for disadvantaged learners, those from non-English speaking backgrounds, and students who may be entering the workforce after a significant gap in their education.

The ASQA Standards for LLN Support

The Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), established by ASQA, ensure that RTOs provide high-quality training that meets the needs of all learners. Within these standards, the importance of providing LLN support is explicitly outlined to ensure that learners have equal access to training opportunities.

RTOs must adhere to the following core principles related to LLN support:

Standard 1: Training and Assessment Strategies and Practices

Standard 1 of the SRTOs requires RTOs to design and deliver training and assessment that meets the needs of learners and industry. When it comes to LLN, RTOs must:

• Identify LLN needs: Prior to or during enrolment, RTOs are expected to assess learners’ LLN skills to determine whether they require additional support to access training or meet assessment requirements.
• Provide appropriate LLN support: Where LLN needs are identified, RTOs must offer relevant support measures to assist learners in successfully participating in training and completing assessments.

RTOs must ensure that training and assessment are tailored to individual needs, including addressing the LLN skills gap through strategies like additional tutoring, modified learning resources, or other support services.

Standard 2: The Quality of Training and Assessment

Under this standard, RTOs are required to provide a high standard of training and assessment, which includes ensuring that learners receive the necessary LLN support. This is critical for:

• Ensuring that training materials, delivery methods, and assessment tools are accessible to learners with varying LLN abilities.
• Providing qualified trainers and assessors who are equipped to support learners with LLN challenges, either directly or by referring them to specialists.

Standard 5: Resources

Standard 5 of the SRTOs requires RTOs to ensure that they have the appropriate resources to support effective training and assessment. This includes:

• LLN-specific resources: RTOs must provide learning materials, tools, and technologies that cater to the diverse LLN needs of learners. These resources might include online learning platforms, LLN worksheets, simplified handouts, or instructional videos.
• Access to expert support: RTOs should have systems in place to provide learners with access to LLN support specialists, such as LLN tutors, or digital resources to aid in skill development.

Standard 6: Continuous Improvement

Under Standard 6, RTOs must have mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate their training and assessment practices to ensure they are meeting the diverse needs of learners, including those related to LLN. This involves:

• Gathering feedback from learners about their LLN experiences during training.
• Regularly reviewing LLN support strategies to ensure their effectiveness and making adjustments where necessary.

How RTOs Can Meet LLN Support Requirements

To meet ASQA’s standards and effectively support students’ LLN needs, RTOs can implement a variety of strategies:

Conduct LLN Assessments

RTOs must assess the LLN skills of all learners before or during enrolment. This can be done through:

• Pre-training LLN assessments: These assessments help determine the learners’ literacy and numeracy levels before they begin their training. This information can then be used to tailor training and support strategies to meet their needs.
• Diagnostic assessments: If LLN needs become apparent during the course, RTOs should provide diagnostic assessments to identify specific areas where learners require additional assistance.

Offer Tailored LLN Support

Once LLN needs are identified, RTOs must offer support to ensure learners can meet the training and assessment requirements:

• Additional language, literacy, and numeracy support: This can include extra tutoring sessions, one-on-one support, or group workshops focused on improving LLN skills.
• Modified learning resources: RTOs can offer simplified materials or visual aids, such as infographics, audio recordings, or video demonstrations, to make content more accessible for learners with LLN challenges.

Training and Assessing with LLN in Mind

RTOs should ensure that trainers and assessors are equipped to provide LLN support during training and assessment. This could involve:

• Professional development: Trainers should receive training in inclusive teaching practices that support LLN learners, as well as in the use of adaptive assessment techniques.
• Modified assessment methods: Where appropriate, assessments should be adjusted to accommodate LLN needs. This may include oral assessments, extended time, or the provision of support tools such as dictionaries or calculators.

Collaborating with External LLN Specialists

For learners with significant LLN challenges, RTOs may need to collaborate with external experts who specialize in LLN. These specialists can provide more intensive support, such as one-on-one coaching or tailored language and numeracy programs.

Monitoring and Reporting

RTOs must continuously monitor the effectiveness of their LLN support services. This includes gathering feedback from learners, assessing their progress, and ensuring that they are able to meet the training and assessment requirements of their courses. RTOs should regularly report on the success of their LLN strategies and make improvements where needed.

Challenges and Solutions in Providing LLN Support

While providing LLN support is vital, there are several challenges that RTOs may face:

• Diverse LLN needs: Learners in a single class may have varying levels of LLN skills, making it difficult to cater to everyone’s needs. RTOs can address this by using differentiated teaching techniques, offering individual tutoring, and providing a variety of learning resources.
• Limited resources: Some RTOs may struggle with limited funding or resources for LLN support. Solutions include collaborating with community organizations, using free or low-cost online resources, or seeking funding opportunities for LLN programs.
• Stigma around LLN support: Learners may feel embarrassed or hesitant to seek help with their LLN skills. RTOs can combat this by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, promoting LLN support as a normal and beneficial part of the learning process.