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Students, Teachers And Specialist Schools Get An Overdue Boost In Support

27 April 2016

The students who need it most are getting extra support, teachers are getting more training, and students with special needs are finally getting the opportunities they deserve, as part the Victorian Budget 2016-17External Link .

All students, no matter their background or circumstances, are entitled to have every chance to fulfil their potential. It’s the responsibility of every fair government to ensure support is provided where it’s needed most.

That’s why the Budget includes more assistance for students with special needs, additional support for vocational training, and more teacher training.

It also provides funding to roll out the Doctors in Secondary Schools program to ensure that students get the healthcare they need.

The education funding measures include:

  • $87.3 million to support an extra 1750 students who are expected to be eligible for the Program for Students with Disability in 2017, and to increase the number of speech pathologists, language programs and language screener tools for students with autism and dyslexia. It will also help students with disabilities travelling between home and school, including the replacement of up to 56 older buses
  • $43.8 million for the Doctors in Secondary School program so that students can get the healthcare they need at school if and when required
  • $21.3 million to support vocational education and training to prepare students for their future careers
  • $9.3 million over two years to provide the latest digital education software for secondary students and teachers, covering both school computers and devices brought to school by students
  • $35.7 million for English as an Additional Language (EAL) services to ensure that around 64,000 Victorian students get the most out of their education
  • $4 million towards Community Language Schools who provide after-hours language education to students across Victoria
  • $2.5 million to expand education programs for approximately 9000 refugee and asylum seeker students and their parents
  • $1.5 million towards the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, putting fresh produce and healthy eating on the table for Victorian students

Too many students with disabilities and learning difficulties, including dyslexia and autism, still face being left out or left behind.

Making Victoria the Education State means helping all kids achieve their best.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We are making Victoria the Education State by upgrading classrooms, investing in our teachers and making sure every student has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

"All Victorian students should have access to a quality education, no matter their background or circumstances.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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