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

2. 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.”

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

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

5. 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

6. Equity: A fair go for more - Macquarie University

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. Educational disadvantage in Australia