National Partnership: More Support for Students With Disabilities Information Session 10 June 2014

Purpose of the session  to share information to date from MSSD activities  to discuss possible application for future initiatives  Gain feedback to shape future grants

National Perspective Initial Phase ($200m) –direct support for students with disability –major focus on professional learning and leadership development; to strengthen capacity –generally understood as a limited term stimulus for change and opportunity for experimentation. Extension Phase 2014 ($100m) –consolidation, completion or extension of exsisting –introduction of new activities –training for all school staff to improve their understanding of their obligations under the DSE Output 6 –addition of Output 13 supporting schools with the implementation of the NCCD

Objective of the MSSD Initiative … to strengthen the capacity and expertise of Australian schools and teachers to provide additional support to students with disabilities, contributing to improvements in their learning experiences, educational outcomes and transitions to further education or work.

Contributing to the following outcomes: 1.Students with disabilities have improved learning experiences and educational outcomes. 2.Schools are better able to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities, in collaboration with parents, carers and students. 3.Schools become more inclusive environments, in accordance with the Disability Standards for Education 2005, recognising the diversity students with disabilities bring to the school. 4.Principals and school leaders are better able to support teachers, and teachers are more capable of identifying and addressing the educational needs of students with disabilities. 5.Teachers of students with disabilities have better access to expert support.

Distinctive Schools Aims to build capacity of school communities to better support students with disability. Currently 20 schools implementing 25 projects across the state. Round Three Applications close 4 August

Distinctive Schools

Development Grants Aims to address the needs of school community 2013 students with EN level 3 to 5 were eligible 2014 students with EN level 1 to 5 are eligible Advertised in Ed- 28 May and 4 June Closing date Friday 13 June

Professional Learning Program Aims to increase opportunities for teachers to access targeted training in order to build skills, knowledge and understanding in special education. Special Education Scholarships Certificate III Education Support for Education Assistants Partnerships with Universities: o University of Canberra E-learning Package o Flinders University Graduate Certificate

Statistics As of March 2014, there were over 7900 students with an identified EN level of 1 to 5. 65% of students attended a local school and 35% attended a specialised setting.

Network Grants Over 75 networks in The Department of Education All networks can apply for grant $ to $ Up to 12 month initiative to build capacity within network Must include at least 70% of schools in the network Must select lead school to guide project Applications close 4 August Scheduled to begin term 4

Network Grants Key focus areas: Teaching and learning adjustments to allow students with disability to achieve curriculum outcomes; Leading effective implementation of curriculum; and Supporting transition needs of students with disability

Think about it….. What would inspire you? If only ideas Would your idea improve the teaching and learning opportunities for a student with a disability? How would this empower your network and community to better meet the needs of group of diverse learners?

Think about it….. What kind of activities would you do? What would inspire you? If only ideas Would your idea improve the teaching and learning opportunities for a student with a disability? How would this empower your network to better meet the needs of group of diverse learners?

More information More information Jacqueline Burns Project Principal Melinda Manship A/Project Principal Katharine Adams Project Assistant