$10 million pilot to encourage Indigenous students' successes

State and non-state schools in five regional areas will benefit from the State Government’s new $10 million four-year pilot program which aims to enhance Indigenous students’ educational achievements.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Indigenous Education Support Structures pilot program would operate in the Mount Isa, Cairns, Rockhampton, Ipswich/Inala and Cunnamulla/Charleville education cluster sites.

“This pilot program will address attendance, retention and completion, literacy and numeracy and workforce and leadership in Indigenous culture,” Mr Welford said.

“The program should be up and running for the start of school in 2008 and a total of $2.24 million will be invested in the five regional sites this financial year.

“Student progress and outcomes will be monitored and measured across all five sites.

“The project will also fund resources for professional development to support teachers to engage more effectively with Indigenous students.”

“It will build on the success of Mount Isa’s Spinifex College tutorial assistance and student support model, where leadership, commitment and staffing have been crucial to its success.”

Mr Welford said while professional support teams work with teachers, learning support teams will work with the students, their schools and their families to support the students in their studies.

“One of the program’s key strengths will lie in involving families in their children’s education so the students remain actively engaged in their studies,” he said.

“I am confident that with the encouragement of this pilot program and the involvement and support of families and Indigenous communities, we will see more Indigenous students achieving success throughout their school years and beyond.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000