National Partnership:
More Support for
Students With
Disabilities
Information Session
10 June 2014
Purpose of the session
 to share information to date from
MSSD activities
 to discuss possible application for
future initiatives
 Gain feedback to shape future grants
National Perspective
Initial Phase 2012-2013 ($200m)
– direct support for students with disability
– major focus on professional learning and leadership
development; to strengthen capacity
– generally understood as a limited term stimulus for
change and opportunity for experimentation.
Extension Phase 2014 ($100m)
– consolidation, completion or extension of exsisting
– introduction of new activities
– training for all school staff to improve their understanding
of their obligations under the DSE 2005 - Output 6
– addition of Output 13 supporting schools with the
implementation of the NCCD
Objective of the MSSD Initiative
… to strengthen the capacity and expertise of
Australian schools and teachers to provide
additional support to students with disabilities,
contributing to improvements in their learning
experiences, educational outcomes and transitions
to further education or work.
Contributing to the following outcomes:
1. Students with disabilities have improved learning experiences
and educational outcomes.
2. Schools are better able to meet the educational needs of
students with disabilities, in collaboration with parents, carers
and students.
3. Schools become more inclusive environments, in accordance
with the Disability Standards for Education 2005, recognising
the diversity students with disabilities bring to the school.
4. Principals and school leaders are better able to support
teachers, and teachers are more capable of identifying and
addressing the educational needs of students with disabilities.
5. Teachers of students with disabilities have better access to
expert support.
Distinctive Schools
 Aims to build capacity of school communities to better
support students with disability.
 Currently 20 schools implementing 25 projects across
the state.
 Round Three Applications close 4 August
Distinctive Schools
Distinctive Schools Partner Schools
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Goldfields
Kimberley
Midwest
North Metro
Pilbara
South Metro
Southwest
Wheatbelt
Development Grants
 Aims to address the needs of school community
 2013 students with EN level 3 to 5 were eligible
 2014 students with EN level 1 to 5 are eligible
 Advertised in Ed-e-Mail 28 May and 4 June
 Closing date Friday 13 June
Professional Learning
Program
Aims to increase opportunities for teachers to access targeted
training in order to build skills, knowledge and understanding
in special education.
 Special Education Scholarships
 Certificate III Education Support for Education Assistants
 Partnerships with Universities:
o University of Canberra E-learning Package
o Flinders University Graduate Certificate
Statistics
• As of March 2014, there were over 7900 students with
an identified EN level of 1 to 5.
• 65% of students attended a local school and 35%
attended a specialised setting.
100
90
80
70
60
%
Specialist Schools
50
Local School
40
30
20
10
0
Goldfields Kimberley Midwest
North
Metro
Pilbara
South
Metro
Southwest Wheatbelt
Network Grants
• Over 75 networks in The Department of Education
• All networks can apply for grant $10 000 to $100 000
• Up to 12 month initiative to build capacity within network
• Must include at least 70% of schools in the network
• Must select lead school to guide project
• Applications close 4 August
• Scheduled to begin term 4
Network Grants
Key focus areas:
• Teaching and learning adjustments to allow students
with disability to achieve curriculum outcomes;
• Leading effective implementation of curriculum; and
• Supporting transition needs of students with disability
Think about it…..
• What would inspire you? If only ideas
• Would your idea improve the teaching and learning
opportunities for a student with a disability?
• How would this empower your network and
community to better meet the needs of group of
diverse learners?
Think about it…..
• What kind of activities would you do?
• What would inspire you? If only ideas
• Would your idea improve the teaching and learning
opportunities for a student with a disability?
• How would this empower your network to better meet
the needs of group of diverse learners?
More information
Jacqueline Burns
Project Principal
9402 6268
Jacqueline.Burns2@education.wa.edu.au
Melinda Manship
A/Project Principal
9402 6257
Melinda.Manship@education.wa.edu.au
Katharine Adams
Project Assistant
9402 6246
Katharine.Adams@education.wa.edu.au