SA government education review to consider options for SA non-mainstream schooling
Here in South Australia the Education Department is about to embark on an education review to consider options for non-mainstream schooling, with a focus, according to an ABC article, on “boosting student engagement, improving school attendance and easing pressures on teachers”. Apparently there are 10,000 students participating in non-mainstream education programs, including homeschooling, each year in the state.
Although Education Minister Blair Bowyer said there would be an emphasis on how students with complex needs could be supported, and I’m hopeful that this will include those who are already home educating, I suspect that the concern expressed about a “capacity to cope for future growth”, taken together with the con-current review into preventing truancy, will result in a push to get these kids attending school instead of providing them with the support they need to learn at home.
“Our program looks to reconnecting students with learning with the aim of transitioning many students back to mainstream schools.” Jeane Schocroft, Open Access College
There is a chance that the outcome may impose more onerous registration requirements on home educating parents.
While, at a glance, this new review looks like a great opportunity to delve deep into why mainstream schooling is failing to meet students’ needs, examining the nature and scope of the barriers neurodivergent and disabled students and their families face, I was under the impression that this was a primary aim of the Autism Inclusion Education Initiative announced in 2023, and which has already been rolled out to primary and secondary schools.
“reimagining how we support students facing barriers” Minister Boyer
According to the SA Premier’s press release, the review includes an “in-depth look at a range of alternative education options, including:
Bowden Brompton Community School
Home Education
Hospital School SA
Learning and Behaviour Unit
Better Behaviour Centres
Learning Centres
Open Access College
Youth Education Centre
… as each of these has different purposes, funding arrangements, structure and governance processes.”
“Many of these sites have evolved over time to meet specific needs, but without a broad framework to help shape the service delivery, so this review is long overdue and is an opportunity to shape a responsive, and inclusive approach that meets the complex needs of learners today and builds a stronger, more just system for the future.” Minister Boyer
I haven’t been able to find any information about how home educators can provide submissions, or the schedule regarding a consultation process. Hopefully that will be made available soon.
photo: Anil Sharma, Pexels