The question concerns the allocation of education assistants and its impact on students with learning difficulties, suggesting a potential shift away from integration. The answer denies a reduction in support for diagnosed disabilities and affirms commitment to mainstream support, highlighting a new funding model for flexible learning support.

AnsweredQoN 3722Legislative Assembly
Asked
10 March 2015
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to changes in the allocation of education assistants in public schools in 2014 and the impact this has had on children with learning difficulties, and ask is the Minister supportive of integration of these children in schools or is this a move to send these children to 'special needs' school?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
22 April 2015
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Education
Response time
43 days
There has been no reduction in the allocation of education assistants for students with diagnosed disability.
Students with learning difficulties do not meet the criteria to enrol at an education support school or centre; they have always enrolled in mainstream classes.
The Department of Education is committed to supporting the needs of all students, including those with learning difficulties, in the mainstream classroom through evidence-based high-quality instruction, assessment and intervention.
In 2015, under the new student-centred funding model, educational adjustment funding is provided to mainstream schools as a flexible allocation. This enables mainstream schools to implement programs and learning supports for students with additional learning needs. This new allocation means more students will be able to access support without the need for a diagnosis of disability.

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