Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20

Australian Capital Territory

Student Support Unit

A Student Support Unit has been established within the Student Support Services section of the ACT Department of Education and Community Services. The unit is staffed by a System Literacy Officer, a Transition Pathways Officer and two youth workers. The Unit works with students, parents, schools and the community to ensure a smooth transition from school to employment, training or higher education. Focus areas of the unit include literacy, numeracy, interagency collaboration, behaviour management, transition from high school to college and innovative curriculum and pedagogy.

The unit is developing a model Transition Pathway Plan which builds in accessibility for all young people, flexibility in supporting transitions from school to work and further study and competency in literacy and numeracy necessary for success in further training.

The unit is working with secondary sector staff who are supporting young people with high needs. The section has produced a research based professional development model that values: flexibility in approach; new ways to think about practice; engagement in rich literacy experiences; praxis of effective learning and teaching; and sustainable lifelong learning through the development of professional learning communities; support students at risk of dropping out of school and also their teachers.

Target Group: ACT Government School students

Coverage: Territory wide

Timeframe: 2002-2004

Responsible Agency: ACT Department of Education and Community Services

Contact Information: Student Support Unit, (02) 6205 9198