Students and staff in schools across the country are set to benefit from a $263.3 million funding boost under the Gillard Government’s Smarter Schools National Partnerships.

School Education Minister Peter Garrett today released the latest progress reports from state and territory governments, outlining the achievements in the first six months of 2011.

“The Gillard Government in investing more than $2.5 billion in the three national partnerships, which are delivering targeted programs for disadvantaged students, boosting literacy and numeracy skills and improving the quality of our teaching workforce,” Mr Garrett said.

“These partnerships are helping provide the evidence we need to determine how best to target funding and resources, helping schools and governments understand what works in practice, how to engage students and their families, and what support and training teachers need to do an even better job in the classroom.

“The latest progress reports reveal that schools across the country are making great strides in helping every student reach their full potential.”

Mr Garrett said the states and territories had reached or were making good progress towards their targets and milestones under the partnerships. As a result, the Government has made facilitation payments of $232 million under the Low SES School Communities National and Partnership and $25 million under the Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership. A further payment of $6 million was provided under the Closing the Gap National Partnership.

All facilitation payments under the Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership have already been made. This brings the total paid to more than $1 billion since 2008-09.

Achievements so far under the three national partnerships include:

• In NSW, more than 90.5 per cent of students are at or above the national minimum standards in literacy and numeracy, compared to 88.5 per cent in 2008. More than 400 schools are introducing personalised learning plans, almost 100 schools have developed university partnerships and 85 schools have established homework centres for their students.
• In the Northern Territory, average attendance in all schools participating in the Low SES School Communities National Partnership has increased since 2010. The NT is also taking part in the Closing the Gap National Partnership, under which average school attendance has increased and student results in English and Maths have improved.
• In Victoria, more than 300 schools are providing targeted support for students who need extra help with literacy and numeracy.
• In QLD, 11 schools taking part in the Low SES partnership won regional showcase awards in recognition of improved student results.
• In Western Australia, 13 schools in the Kimberley region are taking part in a whole-school improvement program which includes training for Aboriginal Teacher Assistants and extra literacy and numeracy support.
• In South Australia, whole-school reforms are being implemented across the state and schools are developing strategies for indigenous students, English as a second language students and students with disability. This is leading to improved attendance and students who have previously disengaged from school are re-enrolling.
• In Tasmania, 13 out of the 18 improvement targets set under the Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership agreement have already been reached.
• In the ACT, the target for Year 3 reading achievement for indigenous students was exceeded by seven per cent, with 90 per cent reaching the benchmark.

Mr Garrett said around 2500 schools are receiving extra funding under the Low SES and Literacy and Numeracy partnerships, providing direct support to students at risk of being left behind.

“The Gillard Government is committed to making every school a great school, and to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or location, have access to a quality education provided by a trained and motivated teacher,” he said

“The Smarter Schools National partnerships are helping achieve these goals and are part of our record investment of nearly $65 billion over four years, providing the opportunity for all Australian students to reach their full potential.”

A breakdown of funding provided to each state and territory and some examples of school achievements under the partnerships is provided below.

SUMMARY OF PAYMENTS

 EXAMPLES OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER SMARTER SCHOOLS

**St Therese’s Community College in Wilcannia, NSW, has received funding under the Low SES partnership to improve the attendance and engagement of its Aboriginal students. The school introduced a wellbeing scheme for its students, including access to child and mental health specialists, and developed a Paakantji Language and Cultural Program. As a result, school attendance has improved from 53% in 2008 to 82 % in 2011.

**Mareeba State School in QLD received funding under the Low SES partnership to improve the attendance and results of students, particularly indigenous students. It introduced a number of schemes including a Boys Only Reading Club, an attendance program and an Indigenous Dance Group. Student attendance has increased from 77.9% in 2009 to 79.8 in 2010.

**Balga Senior High School in Western Australia received funding under the Low SES partnership to focus on students at risk of disengaging from school. These students spend 17 hours a week with the same teacher and class, covering a range of subjects taught according to ability rather than age. Attendance among Aboriginal students has improved by 15%, and overall attendance in Years 7 and 8 by 10%.

** At Nhulunbuy Primary School, in the NT, Literacy and Numeracy funding has allowed the school to train teachers in the First Steps in Reading and Writing strategy. Ten literacy tutors, and a numeracy program have also been introduced to help the kids who most need it.  In 2010 the school was awarded a ‘Smart Schools’ Excellence Award for improving literacy and numeracy.  For example, Year 3 Reading average score increased from 358 in 2008 to 411 in 2010 and Year 5 Numeracy average score increased from 446 in 2008 to 483 in 2010. 

**At Frayne College in Victoria, Literacy and Numeracy funding has allowed the school to review its mathematics policy and provide professional development for teachers. Improved results include: Year 3 reading average score increased from 386 in 2008 to 487 in 2010; and Year 3 numeracy average score increased from 366 in 2008 to 439 in 2010.

**At Dernancourt Primary School in Adelaide the Literacy and Numeracy funding has allowed the school to improve its whole of school literacy program.  A partnership coach has also been employed to help teachers plan lessons so they meet the needs of all students. NAPLAN results from 2008 to 2010 have shown significant improvements in their average scores for Reading and Numeracy in year 3 as well as Numeracy in Year 5.  

** Clarendon Vale Primary School in Tasmania has been building partnerships with outside agencies and to work closely with parents. A ‘Dad’s Tea’ initiative welcomes dads into the school to work alongside their children to prepare meals while spending quality time with their children. The school is showing measurable improvement. In Term 3, 2010 attendance was 91.5%. In Term 1, 2011 it was 92.9%.

**Richardson Primary School in the ACT has used funding from the Low SES partnership to appoint a speech therapist for early intervention for 27 students enrolled in the Koori pre-school.