The battle to close the education gap for Indigenous students | 7.30
Australian schools are facing a big challenge in the coming decade. They're being asked to produce a record number of graduates and close some big gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in the education system. For some principals and teachers, closing the gap is a very personal mission. Read more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-27/teachers-face-new-closing-the-gap-indigenous-education-targets/12588574 For more from ABC News, click here: https://ab.co/2kxYCZY You can watch more ABC News content on iview: https://ab.co/2OB7Mk1 Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://ab.co/1svxLVE Go deeper on our ABC News In-depth channel: https://ab.co/2lNeBn2 You can also like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/abcnews.au Or follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/abcnews_au Or even on Twitter: http://twitter.com/abcnews
The battle to close the education gap for Indigenous students | 7.30
The Role of Indigenous Education in Shaping Futures
The Impact of Local Schools on Personal Development
- Tammy Anderson reflects on how her local public school significantly influenced her life, emphasizing the importance of positive experiences during primary education.
- As the principal of her former primary school, she focuses on preparing young pupils for high school, highlighting the critical need for self-awareness before transitioning to secondary education.
Emphasizing Culture and Community in Education
- Approximately half of the students at Anderson's school come from Indigenous families, making cultural integration a priority within the classroom.
- Anderson notes that teaching methods have evolved over 40 years, particularly with the incorporation of Aboriginal education into curricula.
Challenges Facing Indigenous Students
- Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, a recent report indicates that Indigenous students still lag behind their non-Indigenous peers in literacy and numeracy skills.
- Attendance rates are also concerning; while some targets are being met, there is an ongoing effort by the government to close these educational gaps entirely.
Aspirations and Role Models
- Many students express aspirations to complete Year 12 and pursue university education, inspired by role models like their principal who came from their community.
- Fiona Kelly shares her experience as another proud Aboriginal principal focused on fostering familial relationships within schools to enhance student engagement.
Bridging Gaps Through Community Engagement
- Mark Rose emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education policy and practice for achieving success among Indigenous students.
- After years of community engagement, one school anticipates graduating its senior class with 100% expected completion rates. Students feel supported and motivated to succeed.
Future Goals for Tertiary Education
- A new government strategy aims for 70% of graduates to enter tertiary education; however, interest remains low among current students despite many already holding jobs.