Parents and carers across the ACT are to help shape a new strategy for inclusive public education with the Education Directorate issuing a call for feedback.
Releasing its Strengthening Inclusive Education in ACT Public Schools: Discussion Paper, the Directorate said the development of an Inclusive Education Strategy, to be released in 2023, would support all public schools to strengthen inclusive education practices.
“Many schools already have great inclusive practices in place and this strategy will aim to increase the sharing of expertise and practice between schools to help build a more inclusive system for all children and young people,” the Directorate said.
“The Strategy is not about asking our incredibly dedicated staff to do more,” it said.
“It is about ensuring the right systems and supports are in place to support our schools so that they can best meet the needs of every learner.”
The Directorate said the new Strategy would amplify, expand, and coordinate current work to ensure the sector was working towards a common goal, “recognising every school has a unique context with differing needs”.
It said the Discussion Paper, open for feedback until 2 December, proposed seven priority themes; culture, workforce, relationships, learning, key transitions, resourcing and infrastructure.
“The seven themes are critical for developing safe, respectful and supportive environments for the whole school community,” it said.
“For example, a school culture based on positive relationships and capability to manage diverse learning needs, will assist to facilitate prevention and early support for behaviour that may impact safety and wellbeing.”
To deliver on these themes, the Directorate said a range of system wide supports would need to be strengthened, such as family and stakeholder partnerships, planning processes, policy and legislation, data insights and feedback, communications and technology.
It said the systems supporting learning would need to equip schools to deliver flexible, responsive, collaborative, and innovative education for every child and young person.
The Directorate’s nine-page Discussion Paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
