[Greens-Media] Back to school on Aboriginal culture

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Minister needs to go back to school on Aboriginal culture.

"Calls by the Federal Education Minister, Julie Bishop to stop teaching
Aboriginal culture in remote schools clearly demonstrate that she knows
nothing about the problems facing remote schools and the best way to
engage their students," said Senator Siewert. 

"No wonder mainstreaming is failing when the Minister for Education
doesn't understand the basics, she said. 

"She clearly has not engaged with the issues and is asleep at the
wheel."

The report by right-wing think-tank the Menzies Centre clearly confuses
the 'traditionality' of students with their remoteness. 

"Children in remote areas often lack access to good schools, teachers
and resources and must contend with extreme poverty and low levels of
parental education," said Senator Siewert. "It is these factors, rather
than their 'traditionality' that are impacting on their educational
achievement.

"The incorporation of culture into the classroom has been a successful
strategy that has increased student engagement as a means of teaching a
range of skills, including reading and writing and public presentation
skills," said Senator Siewert.

"Culture and family are important sources of identity for Aboriginal
children," she said. 

"We need to encourage pride and build confidence as stepping stones to a
broad education that equips today's children with the building blocks
for a productive and successful life."


For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

May 30, 2006