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It shouldn’t matter what background, socio-economic status or if the child experiences learning difficulties. That is why it’s heartening to hear that change is coming for students with a disability, with the state government announcing a new federal funding partnership.
The funding agreement will see Tasmania move away from an IQ-based funding model to a needs-based one, where schools and education providers will be allocated funds to provide reasonable and appropriate educational adjustments.
While the funding model and agreement is still in its infancy, the ink on the deal was only signed in November, there are some question marks over how it will be rolled out. Bridport grandmother Bronwyn Bowen said one of the main concerns she had was how the model might be policed – how will the government ensure the adjustments remain adequate and schools are properly resourced. In addition, Ms Bowen said professional development for teachers was also a serious priority. She said teachers came in all shapes and sizes, and while some were supportive, others lacked the time or funds themselves to provide proper support.
A ministerial taskforce report, commissioned by the state government in 2015 also raised concerns about the support for teachers for students with a disability.
The taskforce’s report said a key theme to emerge from public submissions was a lack of resourcing available to teachers to support their children.
Funding is always a welcome announcement – but it will take more than funding to turn the tide of disadvantage being experienced by students with a disability.
It will take professional development for teachers, to ensure they feel they have the time and the resources needed to provide for those students who might need just a little bit of help. It also will need provisions to ensure the funding model reflects the fact that students with a disability require different things at different times of their lives. There is no question that all teachers want to help all their students – so it’s time to find a way to help them.
