A comprehensive review of non-mainstream education sites, services, and programs across South Australia has kicked off. This initiative is designed to engage students who are educated outside the traditional public school framework due to various challenges, including disability, behavioural issues, and geographical isolation.
This review is in line with measures by the state government to strengthen school attendance laws. Earlier this year, the government proposed legislative changes, including introducing a statutory warning letter for parents and potential expiation fines for failing to enrol children in school or make sure of their attendance.
The review comes amid nationwide concerns about school attendance rates, which have not fully recovered to pre-2020 levels following the global COVID pandemic.
The current review is focused on examining various non-mainstream education alternatives, including Bowden Brompton Community School, Home Education, and Hospital School SA. The assessment will consider their unique functions, funding models, and management structures.
Approximately 10,000 out of 174,000 students enrolled in South Australian public schools participate in a non-mainstream program, with over 4,000 attending Open Access College alone. The review will investigate high enrolment rates among students with disabilities in programs such as Home Education and Better Behaviour Centres. The objective is to address and understand the barriers these students face, determining whether they are isolated incidents or part of a broader systemic issue.
Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills shared, “This review is more than just reflecting on the structures of these important education options – it is about reimagining how we support students facing barriers.
“The work follows on from other significant work undertaken by the Malinauskas Labor Government including reviewing the Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion framework, toughening the law to protect teachers from abusive parents, banning mobile phones and steps to combat bullying.
“All of these actions have been about making schools a safe, inclusive experience where young people can access the best possible education, to ensure their own pathway into productive work.”
Jeane Schocroft, Deputy Principal at Open Access College also shared, “We are welcoming of this review, which will look to identify what is working well at our site – and others – and build on that to support the learning of young South Australians who might have complex and diverse needs.”
Open Access College, originally established in 1991, serves a wide array of students, including those living remotely, dealing with medical or psychological issues, or needing a flexible curriculum.
The review is scheduled for completion by the end of the year and seeks to evaluate and enhance the educational landscape for all South Australian students.
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