Nicole Moyle & Deala Zahr EDUC 2420 Teaching Indigenous Australian Students Nicole Moyle & Deala Zahr

Kaurna Acknowledgement “We would like to acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.”

Content Information - what is equity in education? what is being done - policy. statistical information history Youtube Clips Interview Activity Conclusion

Discuss what you think is meant by the term ‘equity in education’. Is this achievable?

What is equity in education? Equity and equality are different concepts – it is about fairness not sameness Commitment to providing opportunity for all students to achieve their full potential Equity caters specifically to individuals’ needs

Equity: A fair go for more - Macquarie University http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk58jK3cpd0

Achieve Equity in Education A Vision for 2020: Achieve Equity in Education Despite Australia’s high averages regarding educational outcomes, significant disparities remain between the education levels of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. 60% of Indigenous students who start secondary schooling do not go on to complete Year 12 • On average, 15 year-old Indigenous students are over two years of schooling behind non-Indigenous students in reading, mathematics and science • 38-40% of 15 year-old Indigenous students do not achieve expected international proficiency standards in reading, mathematics and science compared to 13-14% of all Australian students.

What Works: The Work Program Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Consists of a set of resources which are designed to assist those working in educational institutions Aims to improve the educational outcomes for Australian Indigenous students Focuses on raising awareness of Indigenous issues, forming partnerships between schools and Indigenous communities, and working systematically towards set goals

Close the Gap An initiative endorsed by the Australian Government, Close the Gap is a strategy that aims to reduce Indigenous disadvantages with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, educational achievement and employment outcomes. With measurable targets implemented, the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians can be understood and improved. The program’s fundamental aim is to achieve health equality, which in turn will lead to equality in other areas.

The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation The foundations program Follow the dream/Partnerships for Success is a series of school educational support projects for Indigenous students who have the capacity, interest and potential to go on and complete their secondary education. These students are encouraged to further their studies through university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. All projects are individually funded through private industry, Federal and state Government. There are currently 486 students participating.

National Indigenous Reform Agreement The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) experts have set specific targets in various areas, and have established a National Indigenous Reform Agreement Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade Ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four year olds in remote communities within five years Halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade Halve the gap for Indigenous students in year 12 attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians within a decade.

Interview – Indigenous Support Teacher 13 Indigenous Students – Majority are boarders 11 girls, 2 boys from Alice Springs, Pt Augusta, Darwin, Jabiru, Kings Canyon. How the Indigenous Students came to be at the School: 4 came through Conway Kids Foundation (residing in Kings Canyon) – Conways vision of seeing indigenous students and obtain a good education. 2 Girls are from Jabiru and supported by their community, foundation there supporting Indigenous kids and giving them the opportunity to go to private schools. 1 student received a Scholarship. 1 student is privately funded. Remaining came through the Indigenous Youth Leadership Scholarship - Smith Family. Indigenous students apply, if successful obtain interview, criteria to be met, can go to school they have chosen.

Factors to consider when dealing with Indigenous Students Large learning gaps – Few years behind with literacy/numeracy skills Past exposure to education/schooling Support of parents and community Cultural Aspects – from different communities, needs and issues different Drive of Students

Other examples of providing equity in education at the school (inc. Non-Indigenous) Students with learning difficulties & those that need extension – Support Centre Catering for individual learning – resources available Financial support for those needing assistance Large variety of subjects available VET courses/traineeships Recognise and celebrate diversity Coordinators to manage different areas (i.e. Indigenous, International, support centre, faculty heads) Staff opportunities for professional development

What is the school doing to support Indigenous students? Focus on students abilities Availability of Indigenous Support Staff Mentor Program – University students Communication between staff teachers and mentors

Is equity in education achievable? If teachers in job for right reason Teachers support and give opportunity students Resources a necessity Teachers values important, want students to achieve Support of students, parents and the School is needed

EQUITY ACTIVITY DIVIDE INTO 4 GROUPS EACH GROUP IS GIVEN A PACKAGE EACH GROUP WILL BE MARKED AGAINST SAME CRITERIA AND MODERATED   EACH GROUP HAS THE SAME TASK: PROJECT ON OLYMPICS IN LONDON 2012 You have 5 minutes to complete the task: Draw the British Flag Draw the Olympic Rings What is the current population of London? What is the colour of the palace guards belt? You are not able to use anything else other than what is in your Resource pack, no phones allowed.

Is equity in education achievable? Conclusion Is equity in education achievable? Equity is achievable however: The right resources for the group/individual are necessary Early intervention and awareness is necessary Community based approach is needed Leaders are needed to drive and direct equity in education Equity in education is multi dimensional (health, poverty etc) A focus on quality and achievement is the same as a focus on equity Effective policies need to be in place which are measured and reviewed The right funding is put in the right areas Professional growth and development is vital We need quality teachers that are passionate about their role as educators

Educational disadvantage in Australia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paDvEOCSCpw&feature=related