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Students with special learning needs
have disabilities, difficulties or additional needs which make it
harder for them to learn than their peers. It is commonly accepted
that about 20 out of every 100 students have additional needs of
some sort. These needs vary significantly.
Having systems in place to identify and
support these students in a timely and equitable manner is critical
to maximising their educational and life outcomes. This can be
complex and challenging, requiring well defined strategies, strong
leadership and effective governance.
The Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development (DEECD) has developed policies and guidance
to help schools to support students with special learning needs and
has provided over $2.6 billion since 2006 to support students with
the highest levels of need through the Program for Students with
Disabilities (PSD).
However, DEECD does not monitor how
schools use PSD funds nor does it adequately oversee the
educational outcomes of these students. In addition DEECD does not
know how many students in Victoria have unfunded special learning
needs.
Schools are not implementing DEECD's
policies consistently or effectively, and students with similar
needs are often receiving very different levels and types of
support across different schools. The quality of individual plans
outlining educational goals and strategies for students with
special learning needs is poor and teachers receive only limited
training to support students with special learning needs.
However, DEECD's new Abilities Based
Learning and Education Support program should bring more uniformity
to teaching programs and DEECD has taken steps to provide more
policy guidance and professional development opportunities for
school staff.
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