The provision of educational support in NSW State schools, for some students enrolled in mainstream classes, is undergoing change that is the subject of some controversy. The Department of Education and Training and the NSW Teachers Federation are at odds over the direction and pace of current proposals. Many parents are left wondering exactly what changes are proposed, and how their child will be affected.
The Department of Education and Training has recently posted two documents addressing the proposed changes on its website, linked from the top right corner of the Disability Programs page, under the heading Proposed School Learning Support Program:
- Consultation Presentation (MS PPT 27MB) - note the large file size which might make it difficult for some to download or open. (If you have difficulty with it and want the information in an alternative format, please contact us at info@dsansw.org.au)
- Questions & Answers (Ms WORD 64kB) - a shorter, text-only summary of the major issues
Some students' (but not all) needs are currently met by the Learning Assistance Program. The LAP will be absorbed into the School Learning Support Program if it is fully implemented.
This page appears to be the most recent update of the NSW Teachers Federation position. Previously, the Federation has posted a number of documents on its website addressing its concerns about current provision for students with additional educational needs (enrolled in all available settings), its demand "that the existing LAP [Learning Assistance Program] allocations and all existing programs be maintained for a further 12 months until wide consultation, evaluation of programs and a review are conducted", its concern for the more than 1800 Support Teacher (Learning Assistance) positions, and reporting on its campaign on special education leading up to the next State election.
The new DET documents address the concerns about the 1800 STLA positions - but the Federation does not appear to be entirely satisfied as yet.
The Teachers Federation acknowledges improvements that have been achieved in recent years, and not every concern is relevant to students with Down syndrome, but the debate will be of interest to many parents whose children are enrolled in both special education and mainstream settings.
Of particular concern to us, is how or whether the proposed changes will deliver adequate support to students with Down syndrome who are assessed by the DET as having a mild intellectual disability, and we are seeking clarification from DET.
We welcome your input if your school-aged child with Down syndrome has been assessed as having a mild intellectual disability, whether you are confident that they are currently being adequately supported or not - please contact us via info@dsansw.org.au
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