The ACT Government is ensuring more inclusive classrooms for Canberra students by offering nation-leading training for Learning Support Assistants in ACT public schools.
Today, the Education Directorate hosted a professional learning opportunity at Evelyn Scott School for 115 LSAs from across the ACT public school system.
This universal training package, which started being provided last year, is the first of its kind in Australia.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said disability inclusion is a key priority for the ACT Government.
The Inclusive Education: A Disability Inclusion Strategy for ACT Public Schools 2024-2034 aims to deliver greater inclusion for students with disability by making sure schools have the support they need to meet the needs of all learners.
LSAs make this possible by supporting teachers to include children and young people with disability in all school activities.
"We have about 1,000 school assistants working across our 91 public schools, offering a range of supports from preparing class materials, to supporting health care and physical needs, to implementing therapy programs and so much more," Minister Berry said.
"We know that 2 in every 10 students in Australian public schools need some sort of adjustment to fully access their learning – without our network of LSAs this wouldn't be possible.
"While our LSAs have already had access to a range of professional training, they now have a dedicated one-day training course that covers a range of topics and that is relevant to whatever stage of their LSA journey they are in."
The course covers everything from legislative and regulatory requirements to best practice in supporting learner independence, building positive relationships and effective communication through to trauma-informed practice and understanding neurodiversity.
About 60 per cent of the LSA workforce has already received this training, with more training courses being offered this term and next. Feedback from participants has been very positive, with many expressing a renewed confidence in in supporting the children they work with and loving the practical strategies being taught.
In addition, an LSA Network has been established to provide ongoing opportunities to connect and share learning in a facilitated termly meeting.
"I thank our Learning Support Assistants across ACT public schools for the great and necessary role they play in supporting all students to get a great education," Minister Berry said.
