Education is a major means of achieving a more just and equitable society. The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring equity in education through minimising disadvantage to students that may result from their background or the way education is provided.
Schools and colleges must ensure that all students have equitable access to the benefits of education irrespective of their sex, culture, linguistic background, race, location, sexuality, socio-economic background or disability. They must pursue equity for all enrolled students but should especially focus on those groups of students who are known to gain significantly less from their education than the population as a whole.
From the Equity in Schooling Policy
Most students with a disability or additional needs are educated in their local schools alongside their age peers while being provided with a rich, balanced curriculum and support to meet their particular learning needs. If families in partnership with educators consider attendance at a regular school as an unsuitable option, students may be eligible to attend a special school.
Teams of professionals including teacher learning support leaders, support teachers, guidance officers, speech and language pathologists and social workers provide extensive support for students with particular learning needs.
Additional resources to support students with special or additional needs linked to the Tasmanian Curriculum will be added during 2008.
Inclusive education