Students with disability and learning difficulties are getting the support they need thanks to the Gillard Government’s More Support for Students with Disability Program and the Smarter Schools National Partnerships.

Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins, today visited St James College in Spring Hill to talk with parents, students and staff about how students were achieving better results thanks to these programs.

“It’s wonderful to see the great work being done here at St James to improve literacy and numeracy standards,” Senator Collins said.

“Thanks to the Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership St James now has access to a specialised literacy teacher, who provides one-on-one support, and extra resources such as posters, games and booklets.

Senator Collins said St James College has also received funding from the Gillard Government to support students with disabilities.

“This includes helping staff to assess the current learning level of students and to develop lesson plans to suit the individual needs of students with disabilities.

“Teachers at St James also have access to para-professionals to strengthen their skills in supporting students with disabilities.”

Senator Collins said every Australian child deserved a great education, regardless of where they live, where they go to school or how much their parents earn.

“Our National Plan for School Improvement will see every Australian school receive more funding and will aim to ensure that by 2025, Australia is ranked as a top 5 country in the world for the performance of our students,” Senator Collins said.

“There will also be more money for those students we know need extra support, such as students with disability, students in small, regional and remote schools, those with limited English skills or from lower income families and Indigenous students.

“The extra funding will help pay for things like teachers’ aides, specialist literacy and numeracy coaches, and special equipment.

“It will help schools like St James continue to deliver a great education in the spirit of social justice that is such a strong feature of Catholic education,” Senator Collins said.

For more information about the National Plan for School Improvement visit www.betterschools.gov.au