Speak Out December low res draft 2017

Sydney workshops Speech pathology in schools: a whole school approach The aim of the NSW Department of Education’s Speech Pathology in Schools resource for principals, teachers and parents is to encourage NSW principals to employ speech pathologists within their schools using a whole school approach. Speech Pathology Australia facilitated two, one-day workshops on Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11. Eight presenters shared their experiences using this approach in special, primary and secondary schools. All the presentations were recorded and will be available for viewing via SPA’s CPD Events Library in December 2017.

Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) Specific Learning Disorders Advisory Group Speech Pathology Australia was represented on this group by Mary Gornik, Dr Tanya Serry and Nichola Harris (Acting Senior Advisor Professional Practice). The advisory group met on four occasions to review the Special Provision policy and procedures. The final recommendations will be used to update the VCAA Special Provision Policy and procedures. The revised policy will be available on the VCAA website at http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/ Pages/vce/exams/specialprovision/specialprovisionreview. aspx from December 2017. Victorian School disability funding model development SPA was invited to send representation to a workshop facilitated by Deloitte Economics to discuss the proposed funding model following the PSD review. Mary Gornik and Nichola Harris attended the workshop and discussion centered on the functional needs-based model for school disability funding. Further updates will be shared as they become available. Mary Gornik National Advisor Education, Early Childhood and Projects

Presenters at the Sydney workshop were Dr Charlotte Forwood, Mary Gornik, Pamela Thuan, Dr Julia Starling, Brooke Butt, Jenny Rayner, Claire Formby and Trish Nicoll. Pre-recorded presentations from Sara Gold and Glenda Lingard were included at the workshops. Thanks to all the presenters for donating their time and for sharing their experience.

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December 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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