That ICPA (Aust) advocate to the Department of Education and government bodies for the Remuneration of Isolated Classroom Supervisors (RICS), progressing the three options identified through the RICS roundtable discussions:
• payment of a wage
• provision of a subsidy through a new program
• an additional Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) subsidy.
Two national roundtable meetings were hosted by the Regional Education Commissioner, Ms Fiona Nash with state and territory education departments, ICPA representatives and a range of key stakeholders to examine options for remunerating Isolated Classroom Supervisors (also referred to as home tutors).
Distance Education school policies across Australia require a classroom supervisor to be present to support a child or children undertaking their education through Distance Education. Despite this being an essential requirement for student participation and educational outcomes, the role is currently undertaken without remuneration, whether by way of a wage or subsidy. Following extensive discussion at the roundtables, three possible remuneration pathways were identified:
• payment of a wage by state or territory education departments (such as a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) wage or equivalent)
• provision of a subsidy through a new dedicated program (separate from the Assistance for Isolated Children scheme)
• an additional Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) subsidy paid directly to the classroom supervisor
Subsequent discussions with Federal Councillors and the Regional Education Commissioner, Fiona Nash, reinforced the need to present these options to government for consideration. ICPA (Aust) seeks to work collaboratively with the Department of Education, government bodies and relevant stakeholders to determine the most practical and equitable approach to recognising and remunerating the vital role of Isolated Classroom Supervisors in supporting the education of GI students.
