Our Curriculum - Tutoring Learning Initiative (TLI)

The Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI), funded by the Victorian Government, enables Birralee Primary School to employ a qualified teacher as a tutor to deliver targeted support to students who need additional assistance to achieve expected academic outcomes.The initiative is backed by strong research from Australia and around the world, which demonstrates that small group tutoring is an effective educational intervention for improving student learning outcomes. Birralee Primary School’s TLI program is intended to build upon and be integrated with existing supports as part of a whole-school approach to learning intervention.

The TLI program at Birralee Primary School provides targeted support for students who need extra help in Reading and Writing. Student selection is guided by detailed analysis of achievement data and teacher observations, enabling those who would benefit most from additional support to be identified.

The tutor works in close partnership with classroom teachers, regularly reviewing student progress and collaborating on effective strategies to support learning. Together, they focus on student wellbeing, help students build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and make meaningful progress towards participants learning goals.

TLI support is delivered in small group sessions of 3 to 5 students, ensuring each child receives focused attention tailored to their learning needs.  Instruction is based on explicit, evidence-based reading and writing methodologies that align with the school’s phonics program, ensuring a consistent and effective approach across all learning environments.

TLI sessions may take place within the classroom or in a separate space, depending on what best supports each student’s learning. The program is flexible, with students joining or exiting based on their individual progress. Some may participate for a term, while others continue longer, based on each child’s progress and classroom teacher feedback.

By offering personalised instruction in a supportive environment, the Tutor Learning Initiative helps students become more engaged, capable, and confident learners.