Equity programs under threat again

By Angelo Gavrielatos

The campaign in defence of equity programs has been reignited.

At the time of going to print, the NSW Government had still not given a commitment to continue the total funding allocated to schools for low socio economic status equity programs putting the continuation of the highly successful Priority Action Schools Program at risk.

The Priority Action Schools program has been one of the most successful programs ever introduced in our system. Whatever the indicators -- attendance, behaviour, literacy or numeracy -- schools on the Priority Action Schools Program report outstanding outcomes.

Prior to the 2003 state election the NSW Government made a commitment to retain and enhance the Priority Schools Funding Program, subject to evaluation (there have already been two independent evaluations), retain the Priority Action Schools Program and establish the Priority Schools Help Program, hence establishing a three-tiered approach to equity programs.

The government went on to say: "The comprehensive plan will mean a graduated approach to providing carefully targeted extra assistance to improve educational outcomes." (Public Education -- Building on its Strong Foundations, March 2003)

In February 2004, almost a year later, the then Education Minister Andrew Refshauge reaffirmed: "The NSW Government wants to ensure every student, regardless of their background, has the best possible educational opportunities. 'A fair go' is an integral part of the values of NSW public education. Education is central to creating opportunities for all students and it is essential additional resources are targeted to areas of greatest need."

Currently, 576 schools are supported by the Priority Schools Funding Program, a $61 million program. In addition to that, 74 schools serving the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas of the state receive an additional $16 million -- these are the Priority Action Schools. (The Priority Schools Help Program, for the most needy of the needy, has not been implemented).

The continuation of the $16 million allocated to the Priority Action Schools Program for 2005 was the direct result of action last year, defeating the first attempt by the government to destroy the program.

When the campaign to secure the continuation of the Priority Action Schools Program was won on August 18 last year, Federation put the Government on notice that should there be an attempt in 12 months time to wind back the total commitment to equity programs, the campaign would be reignited.

While the Government never misses an opportunity to appropriate the outstanding successes realised, in no small part through the Priority Action Schools Program and other related programs, its actions speak louder than words.

Angelo Gavrielatos is the Senior Vice President.

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