Advocating for Special Education

Educational Resourcing Models for Students With Disabilities

The issues related to funding of programs for students with disabilities are a major areavof concern for teacher, educational leaders and parents/carers.

All state/territory education departments have undergone or are undergoing reviews of resourcing models.

Two key understandings are required in relation to the resource and education of students with disabilities.

• Cost of Education
  The cost of education students with disabilities who have special education needs is inevitable, greater than that of students generally, wherever the education takes place. (Jenkinson, 2001).
• Equity
  The concept of equity required the provision of additional resources to enable student with disabilities who have special educational needs to participate in education on an equitable basis with the majority of students (Cormack,1997a). Equity does not necessarily mean equivalence of funding, but it does imply the provision of adequate resources to ensure equal opportunities for learning. For some students, intensive support needs may mean a high level of resources to achieve equity; for others the need may be reduced.

Download the full report here - Educational Resourcing Models for Students with Disabilities