A career planning website for secondary students, more teachers, aids and specialist teachers, support for vulnerable and disengaged students, a commitment for more school excursions and a $33.8 million infrastructure spend are included in this year's education budget.
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The government is investing "a record" $7.5 billion into education over the next four years, which includes $95 million on classroom spends over 2020/2021.
There is $14 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of students, including those impacted by trauma, and $6.6 million for school engagement and pathway planning over the forward estimates.
Education minister Jeremy Rockliff said the record spend was part of the plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania.
"We know that education is a major contributor to improving social and economic outcomes in our state, including health, happiness, life expectancy and productivity."
Classroom Spend
In 2021 a $9.5 million package to "take education to the next level" will help reduce the instructional load for public primary school teachers by one hour, and fund specialist teaching in science, technology and engineering, the creative industries and physical education.
Up to $500,000 will be spent on six new specialist "lead numeracy" teachers, with a further 29 math coaches promised for 2022, with an allocation of $12.8 million over four years
Every school will share in a $1.5 million funding pool for student excursions around Tasmania, and 33 schools will share $1 million in funding to support students with trauma who have emotional and behavioural needs.
There is a $240,000 package to assist parent communication and engagement with schools to boost student learning.
School fees for some students will be waived with a $14 million allocation to benefit one in two students in Tasmania from eligible families, who may be holders of Health Care Cards.
To help "Engage and Empower" learners $978,000 is allocated for 2021.
This will be spent on flexible and tailored short qualification courses for Years 9 to 12, with a focus on school-based apprenticeships, a website for career and pathway planning, and a Packages of Learning program for Years 9 and 10 students.
An extra $3 million has been allocated to improve education and engagement for students with disabilities, for a total of $11 million to be spent this year.
A special "case management platform" will also identify vulnerable and disengaged learners, offering tailored programs to suit their needs.
Education Infrastructure Spend
For infrastructure in the education and vocation sector, there is a $222 million investment over the next four years.
This includes $24 million for the new Legana primary school of which $1.7 million is allocated this year, and $20 million for the Penguin K-12 school, with $7.3 million allocated this year.
The Sheffield School farm will receive $2.6 million to complete its $3 million redevelopment.
Up to $950,000 will be spent on the new Child and Family Learning Centres in 2020/2021.
TasTAFE Spend
Vocational training will receive a $13 million boost in 2021, with $2 million set aside for specialist teachers in areas of high demand.
This includes ten specialist teachers in aged care, electro tech, plumbing, allied trade and nursing.
The quality of TasTAFE will be improved by a $4 million IT upgrade rolled out of the next two years, that will support flexible online training for students.
