Distance Education Portfolio

The aim of the Distance Education portfolio is to bring any concerns to State Council regarding the education of geographically isolated students in South Australia, keep SA ICPA members up to date on any State and Federal issues and concerns, help write and raise motions for conferences and be a source of information for members regarding Distance Education. It is a broad portfolio with interests ranging from education and technology to delivering curriculum and student support. It also covers the advocacy of supervisors and governesses, promoting the hard work they do behind the scenes in supporting the education of our children.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHEIVED (STATE AND FEDERAL)

• Ensuring internet rebates are available to our School of the Air families
• Travel allowances for families travelling to and from town for school events
• Working alongside Port Augusta School of the Air to achieve a sense of autonomy under Open Access College
• Maintaining the important service of the Itinerant Teacher role
• Progressing towards a new School of the Air site with safe and inclusive facilities and infrastructure

WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON

• ICPA advocates that Schools of the Air and Schools of Distance Education remain in rural and remote communities
• ICPA requests a separate category for geographically isolated students be brought in so they are not lost amongst the realm of others being taught via distance education
• The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Distance Education Allowance to be extended to the pre-schoolers studying by distance education. 2024 AIC Rates.
• An increase in the AIC allowances to help rural and remote families afford compulsory education for the 11,000 children who have no daily access to face-to-face schooling due to distance and a Rural Hardship Education Fund set up for assistance through prolonged drought or other times of rural hardship.
• Supporting the Port Augusta School of the Air to move forward with a new site and facilities
• Advocating on a state level and supporting Federal Council in backing the need for a Distance Education Teaching Allowance (DETA) to recognise geographically isolated distance education home tutors given families currently receive no financial support