Teachers of students with disability believe there is a chronic shortage of resources in Tasmanian schools, a state-wide survey reveals.
The Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby survey found that 91% of teachers said they lacked resources to support the needs of students living with disability.
“Teachers say that there is a desperate shortage of in-class support, special programs and other resources vital to the educational needs of students with disability,” said Terry Polglase,” AEU Tasmanian Branch President.
“The teacher survey results mirror that of the earlier parent stratification survey in that a lack of resources for students with disability is identified as a critical issue,” he said.
The survey also found that:
• 60% of teachers have more students with disability in their classes than 12 months ago.
• One out of every two teachers (51%) have students in their class who are not funded.
• Almost half (45%) of teachers have not received disability specific professional development in the past year.
Mr Polglase said lack of resources was the major issue identified and investment, according to need, was the solution.
“What’s needed is Gonski funding delivered in full by Tony Abbott so that every student has the support they need to reach their full potential. This includes the disability loading promised by the Education Minister Christopher Pyne,” he said.
“In Opposition Will Hodgman promised not to sack teachers but in Government he axed 251 teachers and support staff which has driven up class sizes, cut literacy and numeracy support, and forced some schools to end music and language subjects.
“Teachers and parents say schools desperately need more resources and in Tasmania that includes the Hodgman Government prioritising Gonski funds for students who need it most.”
Terry Polglase,” AEU Tasmanian Branch President
