This unit will analyse in detail best practice, evidence-based strategies for providing balanced literacy instruction to students with complex communication needs in regular and special education schools. It will explore theoretical and practical aspects of literacy instruction within the context of major literature reviews focused on literacy instruction and the Australian Curriculum. Accommodations and supports that may be needed for some students with complex communication needs will also be discussed. Case studies will be used to highlight how literacy instruction can be a potential outcome of these interventions. In addition, formal and informal assessments that can be used to measure progress will also be covered. Finally, students will complete a practical presentation that unpacks explicit teaching strategies within an instructional framework that are relevant to students with complex communication needs.