More support for students with disability

Friday, 19 August 2016
 
Page Content

• Quality, specifically tailored resource and assessment tools for students with disability
• Assessments designed to maintain rigour
• Supports development of communication, personal, social and learning skills 

Western Australian students with disability and additional needs are set to receive extra resources to help them with learning and assessments.

Education Minister Peter Collier said Abilities Based Learning Education, Western Australia would provide an unprecedented level of support for students with special learning needs.

"Under the Liberal National Government, all Western Australian schools have now been given the resources for students with disability and special learning needs that have been trialled in this State alongside materials used successfully in Victoria," Mr Collier said.

"The ABLEWA resources enable these students to participate in learning experiences that are specifically tailored to further develop their skills, knowledge and understanding."

Teachers will be supported with an online professional learning package that will provide advice on linking reporting information with curriculum planning and teaching.

"The resources form just one part of a wide range of assessment tools and practices that teachers can incorporate into their planning and decision-making," the Minister said.

The assessments can be used for students between four and 18 years of age, working at Year 4 level or below.  Assessments for students working above Year 4 level will be the same as for their classmates, but with any reasonable adjustments made for the student.

"ABLEWA development has been led by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, with the support of representatives from expert groups in education for students with disability from across the sectors," Mr Collier said.

ABLEWA supports the teaching and learning of students who, through disability or special learning needs, might not be able to access the Pre-primary to Year 10 curriculum.

Fact File

• ABLEWA resources are now available to all WA schools
• Resources have been trialled successfully in 124 schools in WA