How values-based frameworks from Aotearoa are sparking trans-Tasman interest in inclusive adult literacy and numeracy.
TL;DR: Annette Tofaeono presented at the 2025 ACAL Conference in Melbourne, sharing practical strategies for inclusive adult literacy based on the Tapatoru and Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM) frameworks developed in Aotearoa. Her session drew strong interest from educators across Australia and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in values-based adult education.
Annette Tofaeono, Senior Advisor with Manako (Ako Aotearoa), recently presented on inclusive adult literacy at the 2025 Australia Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) Conference in Melbourne. Her talk, titled Upskilling educators, empowering learners: Strengthening adult literacy through dyslexia-friendly and values-based approaches, highlighted how frameworks developed in Aotearoa are gaining international relevance.
The ACAL conference, held on 4–5 September, brought together educators and sector leaders from Australia and New Zealand to explore the evolving role of inclusive literacy and numeracy in adult education. Annette’s session focused on two established initiatives led by Ako Aotearoa: the Tapatoru Ako Professional Practice Award and the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM). Both programmes, now in their fourth year, are designed to support adult learners through organisational development that centres on inclusion, accessibility, and professional practice.
In her presentation, Annette outlined how these initiatives provide practical frameworks and reflective tools for tertiary educators and learning support practitioners. The aim: to help teams create environments where adult learners, particularly those from Māori, Pacific, neurodiverse, and culturally diverse communities, can build confidence and achieve better outcomes.
The session attracted such high interest that it was moved to a larger room to accommodate attendees. “It was a privilege to present, and even better to see the enormous interest here in Australia for our Tapatoru and DFQM programmes,” said Annette. “These are seen as unique and innovative approaches in Aotearoa.”
The conference also featured discussion of Australia’s new National Foundation Skills Strategy 2025–2035, which focuses on language, inclusive literacy, numeracy, digital (LLND) and employability skills. Backed by government funding, the strategy supports initiatives such as Skills for Education and Employment, First Nations education, and the Adult Migrant English Programme.
“It was interesting to find out more about the Australian adult literacy landscape and the rollout of their new national strategy,” Annette noted. “I believe there’s real potential for collaboration and shared learning between our two countries.”
The success of the Tapatoru and DFQM programmes speaks to the potential of values-based development in tertiary education. They reflect a shift towards creating environments that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse adult learners.
To learn more or download Annette’s presentation, visit the ACAL 2025 Conference website.
Q&A: More About Annette’s ACAL 2025 Presentation
Q: What was the focus of Annette Tofaeono’s presentation at ACAL 2025?
A: Annette presented on inclusive adult literacy through values-based frameworks. She shared insights from two Ako Aotearoa initiatives: the Tapatoru Ako Professional Practice Award and the Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM).
Q: Why did her session attract so much interest?
A: The combination of practical tools, a culturally responsive approach, and evidence of success in Aotearoa made the session highly relevant for educators across Australia.
Q: What is the Tapatoru framework?
A: Tapatoru is a professional development tool designed to support reflective teaching practice and strengthen adult learning outcomes in tertiary and foundation education.
Q: What does the DFQM programme involve?
A: The Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark supports organisations to build more inclusive environments for neurodiverse learners through structural and pedagogical changes.
Q: What opportunities for collaboration were discussed?
A: Annette noted that Australia’s new National Foundation Skills Strategy could open the door for trans-Tasman collaboration, especially in areas like LLND skills and inclusive education.
Get in Touch with Annette Tofaeono
If you’re interested in learning more about inclusive adult literacy or would like to connect around Tapatoru or DFQM, you can connect with Annette on LinkedIn:
Kia ora! Hey, I'd love to know what you think.