Every Victorian Year 1 student would have a special phonics check by their teacher under a plan by Matthew Guy's Coalition if it wins the November state election.
The policy, to be launched today, would require a five to seven minute one-on-one session with a teacher to test each student's reading ability.
Phonics is a method of teaching children about the sounds associated with each letter in the alphabet and how to put together different sounds to make words.
The Opposition said the phonics check would help improve the teaching of reading and to identify children that need extra skills.
Last week the Coalition released a "values statement" it said would underpin its education policies heading into November's election. It included encouraging schools to teach "national pride" and Australian values.
It said there was a need to address stagnating results in Victoria.
Phonics test 'significantly improved' reading in UK
A phonics test for young students was introduced in Britain in 2012, and in Australia the idea has the backing of the conservative Centre for Independent Studies.
One of the think tank's fellows, Jennifer Buckingham, would be appointed to review Victoria's curriculum if the Coalition wins the vote.
Dr Buckingham said the introduction of the screening in England had significantly improved reading results.
The Federal Government has been pushing for states to adopt the screening proposal, but there is resistance from the teachers' union.
Opposition education spokesman Tim Smith said current government policy failing students.
"That is why we need to get back to basics with the curriculum and focus on what's really important — literacy and numeracy," Mr Smith said.
"[Premier] Daniel Andrews promised to make Victoria the education state, but all he has done in three years is expand the divisive and ideological Safe Schools program and slapped a slogan on licence plates."
