Inspiring Teachers to Reverse the Decline in Writing

Improving writing skills in Australian schools remains a pressing priority. Recent NAPLAN results show primary reading and writing scores declining again in 2025, with little overall improvement from 2024. Teachers hold the key to reversing this trend through authentic, engaging practices rather than off-the-shelf products.

Students thrive when writing feels relevant and enjoyable.

The Concerning Trend

NAPLAN 2025 data reveals ongoing challenges in literacy. Primary students performed worse in reading and writing for the second consecutive year. Experts describe writing skills as at an all-time low, with gaps in grammar, punctuation, and structure persisting across year levels.

This decline affects student confidence and future opportunities. Yet teachers can make a profound difference.

Make Writing Fun and Engaging

• Students often view writing as a chore. Transform it into a creative outlet.
• Incorporate games, storytelling, or real-world prompts. Use collaborative activities like group narratives or digital storytelling. These approaches spark imagination and build skills naturally.

Provide Feedback and Encouragement

• Constructive feedback drives improvement. Read work carefully. Highlight strengths first, then suggest targeted improvements.
• Celebrate progress publicly. Positive reinforcement motivates persistence.

Emphasise Real-World Relevance

• Connect writing to everyday life. Discuss its role in careers, social media, or advocacy.
• Show examples from professions. This builds purpose and motivation.

Model Good Writing Habits

• Teachers serve as role models. Use correct grammar and varied structures in displays, emails, and lessons.
• Share personal writing processes. Demonstrate revision techniques openly.

Provide Resources and Support

• Offer accessible tools like prompt banks or grammar references. Establish writing clubs or peer review groups for collaboration.
• These foster community and ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on engagement and relevance for lasting improvement.
• Prioritise feedback, modelling, and support over commercial fixes.
• Small, consistent changes yield big results in improving writing skills in Australian schools.
• Leaders: Empower teachers with time and professional learning.

The decline is reversible through dedicated, teacher-led efforts.

For related insights, see The Role of Explicit Instruction in Modern Classrooms or Why Traditional Grading Systems No Longer Serve Today’s Learners.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden