A new approach to managing students with behavioural issues is to give schools and teachers a range of expanded options, with the launch of a new strategy from the Department of Education.
Welcoming the Student Behaviour Strategy, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell said the Department had also released an Inclusive Education Policy and a Restrictive Practices Reduction and Elimination Policy as part of its Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools Package.
Ms Mitchell said the new approach would give schools and teachers the tools and support they needed to reach students early, in a way they responded to, so they could fulfil their potential.
“Behaviour management in our schools is one of the most important aspects of providing quality education and we need to get it right,” she said.
“We know that what is currently happening is not working as too many students, particularly those with learning difficulties or from low socio-economic backgrounds, are suspended and do not receive the support they need.
“This new approach will give principals, teachers and staff access to evidence-based support, including specialists, to allow them to put in place early intervention and prevention measures.”
Ms Mitchell said under the Strategy, students would benefit from earlier intervention and an expanded dedicated workforce of specialist staff, including allied health and behaviour support services.
The Minister said the Package would also see a new model of complex behaviour support; improved access to behaviour specialists in regional and remote areas; additional evidence-based professional learning for teachers and staff; greater support for students with disability; reduced suspensions for students; and reduction and elimination of restrictive practices.
“This will be an ongoing process as we seek to get the settings in our schools right in the shared goal of supporting all our students to achieve their best,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said implementation of the new Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools Package would commence for all NSW public schools from Term Two.
Further information on the Package can be accessed at this PS News link.
