Extended partnership agreement supports students with learning difficulties

The Palaszczuk Government has today announced the three-year extension of a highly successful partnership which supports inclusive education in Queensland schools.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad and Education Minister Grace Grace announced the $1.5 million extension of the partnership between the Department of Education and Supporting People Experiencing Learning Difficulties (SPELD Qld).

Ms Trad said SPELD’s relationship with the Department of Education, which dated back to the 1970s, would now continue through to June 2022.

“SPELD Qld does a fantastic job supporting the educational needs of students with learning difficulties, including dyslexia,” Ms Trad said.

“Its educational advisors provide advice to educators from state, catholic and independent schools about how to effectively accommodate the unique learning needs of these students and differentiate learning to increase participation in the curriculum.

“SPELD has been co-located with the Department of Education’s Autism Hub and Reading Centre at Woolloongabba in my electorate since it started operating in 2016.

“I am delighted that this partnership will continue to support the special needs of students for another three years.

“This funding will allow for an increase in workshops for parents and teachers right across the state; provide funding for a literacy coach; help fund specialised reading assessments for students; provide expert advice for teachers in teaching students with dyslexia and help fund a telephone advisory service for parents and teachers.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to ensuring every Queensland kid received a great start through a world-class education, especially those with learning difficulties.

“My department’s Reading Centre leads schools in lifting reading and writing outcomes for students through building teacher capability, with a focus on building awareness and capability in supporting students with reading disorders including dyslexia,” Ms Grace said.

“Together, the Reading Centre and Speld services operating out of the one site provide a formidable contribution to help us achieve our goal of giving every Queensland child to the best possible start in life.”

Speld Qld chief executive officer Marion McMahon welcomed the new service agreement.

“Our service and the work of the Reading Centre complement each other beautifully, and achieve real results for Queenslanders facing learning difficulties,” Ms McMahon said.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Education and its support teams for another three years, and hopefully well beyond that into the future.”

Media contact: Treasurer's Office - 0417 272 875; Minister Grace's office - 0439 578 472