South Australia is taking a significant step to support its most vulnerable students by investing $48.3 million over three years in the Tailored Learning initiative. This funding aims to help secondary students from Years 8 up to the age of 21 who have disengaged from school due to various personal barriers, including mental health issues, unstable accommodation, family difficulties, addiction, and pregnancy or parenting.
Expanding Support for Vulnerable Students
The Tailored Learning program is a statewide delivery of an enrolment strategy that builds on the successful trials conducted in 12 public high schools. These trials demonstrated that vulnerable students benefited greatly from additional in-school support, helping them overcome adversity and reengage with their education. The initiative is an evolution of the earlier Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program, which has been operating in South Australia since 2007.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer, emphasized the importance of the funding. “We have long recognized that education is not one-size-fits-all,” he said. “This program is about reconnecting young people with their learning in a way that works best for them.” Boyer highlighted that the best place to provide these supports is within a highly inclusive school setting, allowing students to remain connected with their classmates and teachers.
Enhancing Educational Accessibility
Tailored Learning aims to ensure that all schools with secondary enrolments can offer the program, providing consistency across the public education system. Currently, 4,360 students access the FLO program at 85 schools, but more than 40 schools do not run the program. The new approach will expand access, ensuring that every eligible student can receive the necessary support regardless of their school.
Key Features of Tailored Learning
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Individualized Support | Personalized learning plans based on each student’s needs and challenges. |
| On-site Staff | More site-based staff trained to provide specialized support. |
| Flexible Learning Options | Part-time or full-time school study, vocational courses, online learning, work placement, volunteering, and individual wellbeing programs. |
| Monitoring and Follow-up | Continuous monitoring of student engagement and progress to ensure effectiveness. |
The redesigned model offers schools greater oversight of the programs offered and emphasizes delivering supports within the school setting rather than off-site. This approach fosters a more integrated and supportive environment for students, making it easier for them to stay engaged and succeed academically.
Success Stories from the Trial
During the trial phase this year, the 12 sample schools reported significant improvements in student attendance and engagement. The addition of extra youth workers and supports made a tangible difference, helping students reconnect with their education and their families.
Notable Achievements
- Student Reengagement: Two students who had not attended school for two years returned and are now on track to complete their SACE.
- Attendance Improvement: An individual student’s attendance rose from 10 percent to 60 percent.
- Academic Success: A student who had never passed a subject is now receiving a minimum C-grade in all enrolled subjects.
These successes underscore the effectiveness of providing tailored, in-school support to students facing significant personal challenges. By addressing the root causes of disengagement, Tailored Learning helps students regain their footing and pursue their educational goals.
Building a Comprehensive Support System
Parafield Gardens High School, located 17 km north of Adelaide, is one of the schools benefiting from the new funding. Principal Kirsty Amos highlighted how the initiative strengthens connections between the school and students in a way that was not previously possible. “We are aware that mainstream education structures and settings are not for everyone,” Amos said. “This initiative offers us the flexibility that we are looking for to meet the complex needs of young people and provide more opportunities to develop the skills and dispositions that they need to be successful when they leave their formal education.”
The core of the Tailored Learning initiative is a tool designed to help schools identify each student’s personal barriers and measure their engagement with learning. This tool assists in determining the most appropriate support for each student, ensuring that the learning plan is developed in consultation with the student based on their specific needs, skills, and interests.
Future Directions and Long-term Impact
The introduction of Tailored Learning marks a significant advancement in South Australia’s approach to education. By providing additional resources and support, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. The ongoing commitment to monitoring and adjusting the program based on student progress will be crucial in maintaining its effectiveness and achieving long-term success.
Long-term Goals
- Full Statewide Implementation: Extend the program to all public high schools to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Enhanced Training: Provide specialized training for on-site staff to better support students.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly update and refine the support tools and strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
As South Australia continues to invest in the education of its most vulnerable students, the Tailored Learning initiative stands as a testament to the state’s dedication to making education accessible and effective for every young person, regardless of their personal circumstances.
