- 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.
TheCookGovernment hastodayannounceda 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.
As stated by 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.”
