A WA parliamentary question addresses racism in schools following Deakin University research. The Minister details existing policies, resources, and collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Interests.

AnsweredQoN 4393Legislative Assembly
Asked
24 November 2010
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

In relation to the findings of recent research by Deakin University on racism in high schools, I ask:
(a) what is the policy for Western Australian Primary and High Schools for dealing with incidents of racism such as verbal abuse, exclusion and stereotyping; and
(i) if there is no policy will the Minister direct the Department to develop one in light of the findings that show 80% of migrant students report experiencing racism;
(b) what other programs or teacher and staff development is in place to proactively deal with racism in Western Australian schools; and
(c) has the Department sought or received any advice on this issue from the Office of Multicultural Interests; and
(i) if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 February 2011
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
83 days
(a) Incidents of racism such as verbal abuse, bullying and harassment are encompassed within the
Behaviour Management in Schools
(BMIS) policy. The BMISpolicy requires principals to plan for the effective management of student behaviour. Essential elements within the plan include a description of the strategies that are in place to establish and maintain a supportive culture, teach and encourage pro-social behaviour, improve student wellbeing and reinforce positive student behaviour.
Restorative sanctions are imposed to repair and strengthen relationships. Sanctions such as suspension and exclusion may be imposed in extreme cases.
(a)(i) Not applicable.
(b) The Department of Education developed
Countering Racism: a Planning and Evaluation Tool for Western Australian Schools
, in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Interests to help identify and improve processes at the systemic and school levels that discriminate unfairly, irrespective of motive or intention.
The
Countering Racism
tool assists all elements of the public school system to:
· reflect on current practices;
· plan changes and evaluate how well they are working in addressing racism; and
·  share achievements about the aims, benefits and outcomes of inclusive educational environments.
In addition, the Department of Education provides teachers with access to the resource
A World of Difference
, developed by the Office of Multicultural Interests.
A World of Difference
supports the teaching of knowledge, skills, understandings and values within the topic of Australian multicultural society.  It provides teachers with adaptable resources and learning activities that can be taught as a complete program or sections can be split up and integrated into other teaching and learning programs.
(c) Yes.
(c)(i) Not applicable.
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