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Forming
partnerships: Indigenous
adults on site
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The
key message:
 A significant
Aboriginal adult presence is the major factor in the
gains we have been able to make in attendance, behaviour
and learning in class.
— a secondary teacher in a NSW rural town.
This
presence can take many forms — teachers, tutors,
other education workers, support staff, mentors, speakers,
performers. It provides evidence that education and
training is not the province of one group or another.
Besides
contributing effectively in their own roles, Indigenous
adults can operate as role models, and important sources
of information and advice.
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Indigenous
workers may not have completed school themselves, but in several
parts of Australia they are now pursuing further education
and training. This can lead to teaching qualifications, but
Certificate level courses are also available.
Read
about what's happening in Victoria...
Read
about what's happening at Beagle Bay, Western Australia...
Remember
to ensure that arrangements for welcoming Indigenous parents
and carers that they value are in place. Consider offering
Indigenous parents and other members of the community a space
in the school/college for their own use.
Here
are some ideas about this from Karama…
The
following three case studies illustrate improved student attendance,
behaviour and achievement associated with greater involvement
of Indigenous adults in the school.
- Debbie Moyle and Muriel O'Loughlin chat about Muriel's
role in supporting attendance at Salisbury North P-7 School.
Read
their conversation...
Read
their article about attendance...
- Healy State School in Mt Isa is another of very many examples
of the value of working as a cross-cultural team.
Read
the story…
- Moruya Public School has several programs.
Read
about Moruya...
And
a caution: 'We all have the responsibility'
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