Education

2. Training for all school staff to improve
understanding of their obligations under the
DSE and how to meet those obligations
Access to an online interactive learning module on the
DSE outlining responsibilities and implications for school
practice is currently under development in collaboration
with other state jurisdictions and the University of
Canberra. Upon completion, this module will be used
through principal networks and with school staff.
Through the Professional Learning Institute a four day
spaced program titled Empowering Diversity in our Schools
was offered in 2012 and again in 2013. The program
utilises current research and practice that builds inclusive
school cultures linked to the school improvement
agenda; the implementation of the Disability Standards for
Education 2005; the use of the tool The Index for Inclusion;
and work relating to the effective use of support staff and
paraprofessionals in inclusive schools.
3. Assistive technologies to support the teaching
and participation of students with disability
The provision of current technologies supports students
with disability in both special and mainstream schools to
access and engage in the broader curriculum – especially in
literacy learning and augmented communication.
A total of 658 iPads, covers, and iTunes support was
purchased and allocated for individual student use by
June 2013. A total of 14 interactive whiteboards was
allocated to special schools and a range of assistive
technologies for students in mainstream schools with
vision impairment including Braille display devices, portable
magnification devices and upgraded JAWs (screen reader
software) and Duxbury (Braille translation software)
licenses.
4. Training for teachers to strengthen their
skills in the use of assistive technology within
the classroom
Professional learning has been provided for special
education advisors, teachers and teacher assistants in
the use of assistive technologies for communication
and literacy development for students with disability.
This includes a three day program (one day per term) for
320 teachers statewide (with teaching relief provided)
and 350 days across the two years for relief for teacher
assistants to participate in professional learning in the use
of assistive technologies.
5. Additional support for students with
disabilities to transition effectively between the
stages of schooling and/or from schooling into
further education, training or employment.
To reduce problems and stress during transition for
students with disability and their families, a set of materials
and resources for use by schools and families is under
development in collaboration with TASCARE to support
effective transition between stages of schooling.
Professional learning sessions have been delivered in
each Learning Service and a series of forums for parents
and community members have been developed and
conducted throughout March 2013. Allocations have
been made to school resource packages to support
individual and small group transition plans for students
with high-transition support needs from 2012 to 2013.
Allocations were made to 74 schools (primary, secondary,
senior-secondary and special schools) totalling $168,723
in support of transition processes at the beginning of
November 2012.
Tasmanian Adult Literacy Action Plan 2010–2015
The action plan includes the $1 million Adult Literacy
Investment Fund which provides funding for literacy skills
development projects across the LINC network, including
projects targeting the needs of a particular community or
client groups within Tasmania.
A Literacy Coordinator Network has been established
throughout the state and is supported by a pool of trained
volunteer tutors to drive the Adult Literacy Network.
LINC services work with disability service providers and
community organisations to identify and support those
who could benefit from core skills programs.
Two specific grant programs under the action plan are
administered by Skills Tasmania:
1. The Employer Pledge Program funds projects where
employers pledge to support the development of
literacy skills for employees within their organisations
by allowing employees to participate in literacy
support projects and training during work hours.
2. The Adult Literacy Community Grants Program funds
projects with community partnerships and innovative
approaches for specific target groups – including
people with a disability – to improve the core skill
levels of Tasmanian community members in order to
facilitate improved access to education, training and
employment.
72 Required Reporting » Disability Framework for Action