Hon Sue Ellery questions the Minister for Education regarding the adequacy of WA's strategy for gifted and talented students, referencing a Victorian initiative. The Minister responds by outlining existing programs and strategies within the WA public education system.

AnsweredQoN 524Legislative Council
Asked
12 May 2015
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION — GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
524. Hon SUE ELLERY to the
Minister for Education:
I refer to the Victorian government's five-year
strategy to assist gifted children and their parents in the education system,
developed in response to a 2012 parliamentary inquiry. Does the minister accept
the concern of many Western Australian parents of gifted children that there is
still not a coordinated and comprehensive strategy in the WA public education
system to ensure that all students achieve their full potential, including
those who are gifted?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
The Department of Education currently has a comprehensive
gifted and talented strategy that includes 17 secondary schools hosting 21
gifted and talented academic, arts and languages programs; and primary
extension and challenge programs in each educational region. The Department of
Education's ''Excellence and Equity: Strategic Plan for WA
Public Schools 2012–2015'' includes its commitment to expand and
strengthen education for gifted and talented students. This is exemplified by
the increase in the number of places in gifted and talented secondary selective
entrance programs in 2015, including an additional 90 places at Perth Modern
School. In addition to gifted and talented programs, all public school teachers
are expected to implement strategies that extend the learning of their
students. The gifted and talented guidelines provide practical support and
advice to all teachers. As with all other strategies and programs, the
department reviews and monitors the effectiveness of provision, with a view to
refinements as appropriate.

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