Story: Get Involved!

The Australian Government has invested more than $2 billion to improve the educational outcomes of Indigenous students over the next four years, representing an increase of 23.4% over the previous four years. As part of their commitment to Indigenous education, the government has introduced the Parent School Partnership Initiative (PSPI).

What about ASSPA?
From this year, Aboriginal Student Support and Parental Awareness (ASSPA) Committees are no longer funded per head. Instead, the PSPI has been put in place as part of the Australian Government’s Whole of School Intervention Strategy to encourage parents and communities to work with their local schools to develop and apply for money to fund new and creative methods to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of many Indigenous students’ education success.

What is the aim of the PSPI?
The biggest aims of this initiative will be to improve attendance, literacy and numeracy skills and retention rates to Year 12. At least half of the funding available will go to remote schools.

What sort of funding is available?
Projects developed by parents, communities and schools under the PSPI can be funded for up to four years, although it is expected that most projects will be funded for around one to two years.

Who can apply?
Basically you will need to demonstrate that you share a partnership with parents of Indigenous students and communities. Pre-schools, primary and secondary schools are eligible for funding.
Non-government organisations can also apply, as can legally incorporated organisations such as incorporated Indigenous Parent Bodies.

What sort of projects could get funding?
The government is looking for projects that will address the problems many Indigenous students may face that prevent them from getting a good education. Projects that get the whole community involved – parents, teachers and community members – and that can help and motivate students, improve teaching standards and foster better student/teacher relationships are all desirable.

Some examples of suitable ideas for PSPI projects include:

• Summer schools to re-engage at risk students and develop their confidence and abilities;
• Case management, mentoring and community intervention programs for students from Years 7, 8 and 9 to get them ready for Year 10;
• Forming partnerships with other agencies to improve community awareness of and participation in pre-school and schools programs;
• Training of parents and community members so they can work together with schools;
• Involving local businesses and other organisations in initiatives to make school more appealing and relevant to students; and
• Developing systems that identify and support students that are falling behind.
• If you want more information on PSPI, call freecall 1800 800 821 or go to www.dest.gov.au

Tags: School, Training