An apple for the teacher, and $288 million for the students who behave themselves
Queensland schools that focus on re-engaging children in learning and keeping them out of trouble will share in $288 million over the next five years.
A prep student is seen at his school bag at a primary school. (AAP Image/Darren England)
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Monday announced the funding at the Queensland Pathways State College, one of six schools offering initiatives in supporting students to remain engaged in secondary school life.
The program will expand to a further six schools – Toowoomba and Deception Bay in 2024 then Mt Isa, Central Queensland, Logan and Cairns.
The premier said 50 ‘flexi-centres’ will be added to the existing 52 across Queensland high schools offering specialist training and engagement.
Some $57 million will go to intensive case management for students known to the youth justice department, and $27 million to specialised alternative learning programs to operate through non-government organisations.
“It’s about making sure our disengaged young people are getting training and getting an education,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We know that this has been a missing segment of our youth justice initiatives.”
An additional 177 teaching staff and 12 court liaison officers will be required over the five-year period, Education Minister Grace Grace said.
It is clear the government must do more to tackle complexities facing both students and families, Ms Grace said.
The package has also budgeted roughly $30 million towards First Nations engagement programs.
