$10 MILLION IN EXTRA SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

The Beattie Government will provide $10 million over four years to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of Indigenous students.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the funding would be provided to targetted state and non-state schools to help teachers better understand the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“Improving the education of young Indigenous Queenslanders is essential in supporting them to reach their full potential,” Mr Welford said.

“Our Government will invest $2.5 million a year to provide Professional Support Teachers and Learning Support Teams throughout the state at schools with high numbers of Indigenous students.

“Support teachers will help teachers from Prep to Year 9 where there has been an identified decline in literacy and numeracy standards.

“They will help teachers to understand underlying cultural, economic and social issues which may impede an Indigenous student’s learning such as recognising when a student is reluctant to seek help.

“The aim is to keep Indigenous students engaged in their learning while giving teachers skills to improve their teaching practices and curriculum delivery.

“The support teachers will also work with parents and families, who play a significant role in supporting their children’s education, to better engage them in the learning process.”

Mr Welford said the support teams would be modelled on the successful Spinifex College learning assistance and student support strategy.

“This strategy supports about 150 Indigenous students on the Mount Isa college’s campus, as well as students in remote Gulf communities such as Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Burketown and Dajarra.”

Mr Welford said the educational outcomes of Indigenous students were also being addressed through the Bound for Success strategy in the Torres Strait and Cape York.

“Bound for Success is a new approach to Indigenous education with the aim of lifting student attendance, achievement and school completion rates,” he said.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985