Tasmania has always lagged behind other states when it comes to disability funding for schools.
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For a state that arguably has the highest need, we have always managed the traditional way, of allocating vital funding resource to those who meet a narrow IQ band. That band was much stricter in Tasmania than in other states and it did not allow for the broad range of disabilities and even the spectrum of those within the individual disabilities.
However, with the announcement that $34 million will be spent to establish a 'needs-based' disability funding model, students and teachers will be able to access funding more freely dependent on student need. Every student has complex needs, but those who live with a disability more so - and this funding is sorely needed to ensure Tasmania is a nation-leader on this issue.
The needs-based funding model will allow schools to apply for funding to use the way they see fit, to address the needs of that particular student. That might be a teacher's assistant, it might be a school psychologist, it might be extra teachers, or it might mean specialist learning resources.
It's an amazing win for Tasmania and will go a long way to support teachers who are dealing with the complex needs of students with a disability. With more and more students with learning difficulties presenting in "mainstream schools," it will allow those schools to cater more fully for those students. And if those students are supported, it will mean less stress for teachers and less disruption - to ensure all students, with learning difficulties or otherwise, will get a quality education. Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced the funds will be in the budget for this model - what remains to be seen is how it will be implemented and how it will be distributed.
Schools will allegedly get access to the funds from 2020 - but who will monitor it and release the funds are details that will still need to be ironed out. Let's hope the funding stream will be relatively straightforward and won't be tied up in red tape.
Because there's one thing for certain - teachers and students need that money as quickly as possible.
