|
Some Kimberley schools are set to receive extra assistance to better manage students with behavioural problems. The money has been allocated under the Gallop Government's expanded $64.5 million Behaviour Management and Discipline Strategy (BMD). Local Member Carol Martin said she was pleased to announce that the following schools would receive funding under the expanded program: Kalumburu Remote Community School; Broome Primary School; Cable Beach Primary School; and Wyndham District High School. The schools are among 200 primary schools and an additional 30 secondary schools that will benefit from the funding boost this year. |
Kununurra, Derby and Broome district high schools, which have participated in the BMD strategy since its inception in 2001, will continue to receive funding. Mrs Martin said good budget management by the Gallop Government had seen an increased investment in education since it was elected in 2001. "Delivering balanced budgets and responsible economic management has enabled us to be in a position to expand the program," she said. Mrs Martin welcomed the initiative and said it would help maximise students' educational potential. "The BMD program has been an overwhelming success," she said. "Since 2001 we have seen a 50 percent decrease in the number of recommendations for exclusions and 19 percent reduction in suspension rates. |
The program has also led to increased student academic performance and increased school morale. "This has been achieved by schools through various means such as the reduction of class sizes or the implementation of special programs which focus on literacy, peer support or self-esteem. "The program will also help teachers in that they will be able to concentrate more on teaching and learning rather than crisis management". Mrs Martin said each school could decide how to spend its allocated funding. Options for schools might include: more staff to reduce class sizes; behaviour management training for teachers; funding for behaviour management programs; activities and excursions which focus on team building schools; professional development on behaviour management for teachers; funding of the protective behaviours program; and employment of a youth worker. |