Helen Richardson, AEU Tasmanian Branch President, said:
“More students in schools for slightly longer will only translate to more students learning if there are the teachers, support staff and tailored education programs needed to engage all ages of students throughout their schooling.”
“A great education that unlocks the potential of every child requires tailored learning and rich education experiences not just increasing ‘time served’.”
“We know that tailored learning support and individual attention, as part of a rich education experience, makes the biggest difference to students learning and that’s why the full rollout of Gonski is so important and should be the Government’s focus.”
“Unfortunately in Tasmania too many kids, already in the school system, are being held back from learning because of State Government cuts and if these latest changes are not well resourced, it will exacerbate existing problems in some schools.”
“The addition of younger children in prep requires major changes in teaching methods and content and the Government will need to provide significant additional support, such as additional Teacher Assistants, to enable those students to benefit from being in the classroom.”
“The Hodgman Government says it supports Gonski which is welcome but they are undermining their own good intentions by not repairing cuts and then ensuring that Gonski benefits are delivered into all classrooms.”
“I’m in schools every day and teachers and principals are saying they are not seeing the benefits of Gonski– unlike their counterparts in NSW where Gonski is being well managed and enabling kids to take leaps and bounds in their learning.”
“We have many questions about the implementation of these school age changes and we are seeking further details from the Government as well as assurances that no student will be denied the support they need and that every school will be well equipped to cater for needs of every child.”
Harriet Binet Communications, Campaigns and Media for Helen Richardson, AEU Tasmanian Branch President
