- Review of the School Education Act 1999
to strengthen disability support for students
- Autism expert Professor Andrew Whitehouse to
advise and guide review
- $2.26 million trial of
16 Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators will help school leaders address the
needs of students with complex behaviours.
The Cook Government
has today announced a review of
the School Education Act 1999 to better safeguard students with
disability and to strengthen access, inclusion and services across the public
education system.
Since
the Act was introduced in 1999, there have been a number of significant changes
in law that have impacted the education of students with disabilities and
learning difficulties.
This
combined with many inquiries and consultations have highlighted the need to
strengthen work being done in a broad range of areas including the
participation, recognition, equity, rights and attitudes towards young people
with disabilities and how best the Department of Education can serve them.
Telethon
Kids Institute autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse will provide
expert input and strategic guidance during the review process.
As a supplement to this long-term transformation, a $2.26
million trial of 16 Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators will help school
leaders develop tailored and inclusive approaches that suit the specific needs
of students with disability.
Comments attributed to Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The School Education Act 1999 has
not been updated for almost a quarter of a century and in those years so much
has changed.
"The time has come for me to strengthen
support for students with disabilities by committing to a review of the laws
that govern the way our public schools serve them.
"All our communities across Western
Australia have at their heart the wellbeing and care of young people with
disabilities and it is important that our schools reflect the most progressive
and contemporary practices for delivering an outstanding education for them.
"With Professor Whitehouse's advice and
expertise, I am confident we will be able to come up with strategies to
safeguard the education of students with disability and strengthen our ability
to provide the ongoing access, inclusion and services they need now, and into
the future."
CommentsattributedtoProfessor Andrew Whitehouse:
"At a time of significant
change in the disability and education landscapes, it is a very welcome announcement
by the Minister to review the Education Act to ensure that it meets the current
needs of children with disability, their families and the schools of our State.
"Our education system
helps all children flourish, particularly children with disability. Schools
provide the connective
tissue that helps children grow into adults who are capable of pursuing their
dreams.
"These laws are
critically important to how we create an education system that can support that
goal."
