Special education

The Federation will continue to ensure that special education issues remain a high priority.

Conference reiterates a commitment to maintaining and improving levels of service and support for all students with disabilities including those in special classes, special schools and integrated mainstream settings. Federation calls on the State Government to restate its commitment to the retention of a continuum of placement options including all the above and to ensure that all Department of Education and Training (DET) Officers (including all Regions) implement that policy.

Conference also reiterates the authorisation of industrial action by members to ensure the above commitments are met and that the health and safety of all staff and students is assured.

To promote a full understanding of our policies by all members, Federation meetings and conferences as appropriate (including Beginning Teachers, Trade Union Training et cetera) should include special education issues and campaigns.

The Federation reiterates, acknowledges and continues to support the important role of SSPs in dealing with special education students.

The Federation will ensure that students at transition points -- and those unable to be placed, due to lack of placements -- are guaranteed ongoing support to enhance their learning outcomes and the learning outcomes of all students.

To ensure that teachers, particularly early career and non-permanent teachers and those teaching outside their area of expertise, receive ongoing support, by way of relevant professional development, time and resource allocation for effective supervisory/mentor support as well as networking opportunities, to meet the needs of their students with special needs.

The Federation strongly emphasises to the DET the requirement for adequate demographic studies of future special education needs to be comprehensive and current and that such demographic information is used in conjunction with teacher referrals when determining special class provisions.

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Last Modified: 30 Aug 2007