LABORS SPECIAL NEEDS PLAN

FOR VICTORIAN SCHOOLS

JAMES MERLINO |
NOVEMBER 12, 2014

Labors special needs plan will help teachers and schools care for our kids, with more
training for teachers and a $10 million fund to make schools more inclusive.

Labors $10 million inclusive schools fund will help schools cater for students whose
special needs demand additional facilities. Schools that already work hard to be
inclusive will be prioritised.

As a condition of teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, Labor

will require all new teachers to have completed a special needs component as part
of their tertiary studies. Existing teachers will also undertake special needs training
as part of their ongoing professional development.

Labor will require all newly built government schools or schools undertaking
planning works to provide facilities to accommodate the diverse needs of
students.

Labor will commission a Department of Education review of the Program for

Students with a Disability (PSD), focusing on the transition from primary to
secondary school and the specific needs of autism and dyslexia.

Labor will investigate the establishment of a Schools Commissioner an

independent umpire who could receive complaints from parents or students
operating in a similar way to the Health Services Commissioner.

Under Labor, the Senior Practitioner (Disability) will oversee the use of restraint and
seclusion.

Labor will commission an investigation into an early years screening program for
learning disorders.

Labor will phase in the use of Ability Based Learning and Support (ABLES) for all
students who are not at the standard school curriculum level (pre-AusVELS).

Labor will introduce an award category for Inclusive Education Excellence at the
Excellence in Education Awards, staged annually by the Government.

Quotes attributable to Mr Merlino

Everyone deserves a chance at an education.
Weve listened to parents and theyve made us passionate about making our schools
more inclusive.
Labor believes in stronger schools and a fairer society for all.