Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
A new needs based approach to learning is already making a difference to students with disability in Tasmanian Government schools.
The nation-leading Educational Adjustments model for students with disability commenced this year, and has been a game changer in helping to build inclusive practice in schools, shift cultures and ultimately, support better learning outcomes for students.
Rather than taking a one size fits all approach with funding based on a student's disability, the new model instead provides targeted support reflecting what students need to improve their educational outcomes.
It has allowed us to support up to 2000 more students who wouldn't have received this support previously, along with providing around 26.5 FTE additional Support Teachers to directly help our students.
The move to a needs-based funding model was identified through the 2014 Ministerial Taskforce to support children and young people with disability, and it will continue to be progressed with an additional $34 million allocated over the forward estimates.
Moderation teams have, and will continue to visit schools to ensure students with disability receive the individual learning adjustments they need as part of our focus on continuing to improve the approach.
This new approach is part of the Tasmanian Government's commitment to providing high quality inclusive education for all students and building inclusive school communities focused on ensuring all students are supported to learn, contribute and participate.
