Capability Framework: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English as an Additional Language/Dialect Learners
Rationale
Many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in NSW Public schools use Aboriginal English as their main home dialect.
Aboriginal English is just one name given to dialects of English spoken by many Aboriginal people across Australia. It varies from other dialects of English by way of distinct linguistic features and cultural usage. Teachers need to be aware that for many Aboriginal students, Standard Australian English is not the main home dialect of English that the students use.
The Capability Framework: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English as an Additional Language or Dialect Learners has been developed in collaboration with the NT, WA, Queensland and South Australian departments of education.
It was developed to align with and support the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APSTs) and can be used by:
- Teachers to inform practice, self-assess their capabilities and inform professional learning goals including the Performance and Development Plan (PDP).
- Principals to inform whole school practices and determine staff professional learning needs.
- States and Territories to plan and deliver professional learning opportunities.
Instructions for use:
The Capability Framework can be used independently or alongside the APSTs.
The Framework has 7 capabilities which are related to the Teaching Standards. The capabilities provide additional information for the effective teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EALD learners.
Use of the Capability Framework is voluntary.
Alignment to system priorities and/or needs:
Advance equitable outcomes, opportunities and experiences through providing broad, inclusive and rich curriculum. Our commitment to equity and excellence means every student can learn, grow and belong at school. They do this in a safe and inclusive environment that celebrates the strength of our vibrant, diverse and multicultural community.
The NSW Department of Education is committed to being a strong culturally responsive and inclusive education system where every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learner and student is known, valued, and cared for to learn, grow, and belong. Our commitment to creating an equitable and outstanding education system affirms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education is everybody's business.
Alignment to School Excellence Framework:
This resource facilitates alignment with the School Excellence Framework (SEF) theme ‘individual learning needs’ as teachers can use this resource to help identify individual student learning needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander EAD learners. Planning for learning is informed by robust and holistic information about these learning needs, enabling teachers to provide targeted support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander EAD learners.
The resource also aligns with the SEF theme 'caring for students' as the capability framework supports staff to identify the knowledge and skills needed to understand the diverse wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. Outlining embedded processes that can be implemented to ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students feel empowered and can access staff members for advice and assistance.
It also aligns with the SEF theme 'a planned approach to inclusion and wellbeing' as the capability framework supports schools to embed school-wide and data-informed approaches to support the inclusion of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. Staff are encouraged to engage in professional learning and refine practices which are responsive and proactive in meeting emerging needs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students.
Evidence base:
Developed by a panel of experts from across Australia, the Framework spells out what teachers need to know and be able to do in their practice to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EAL/D Learners have the maximum opportunity to become proficient in Standard Australian English and to reach their academic potential.
Reviewed by:
Aboriginal Education and Communities and Multicultural Education.
Created/last updated:
June 2025.
Anticipated resource review date:
This resource will be reviewed in December 2026. To ensure ongoing improvement of this resource, feedback on this resource can be provided via the surveyExternal link or QR code below.
Resource Link
To access the Capability Framework: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EAL/D Learners resource, please visit: Frameworks and tools.