2 July 2015 | General Interest
A recent policy brief exploring Aboriginal children and young people’s education highlights the importance of education in reducing future disadvantage. It also provides information about effective and promising programs to help improve the outcomes and wellbeing of this student group.
Published by the Commissioner for Children and Young People Western Australia, Aboriginal children and young people’s education – May 2015 discusses the responsibility and role that schools, families and communities must play to help close the gap in educational outcomes and post-school options between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.
The policy brief analyses data on early childhood education, attendance, achievement and participation, showcasing the importance, need and positive influence of coordinated and culturally inclusive programs. A series of effective programs are examined, highlighting only a handful of the 126 programs from across the state that have been shown to be effective at improving the wellbeing of children.
“Adopting a community development focus that involves active collaboration with Aboriginal communities is associated with positive education outcomes. Progress in related areas, such as early childhood health, housing and family wellbeing, will also yield improvements in a student’s ability to engage with the benefits afforded by a good education.”
To download a copy of the policy brief visit the Commissioner for Children and Young People website.
