Launch of 'Learning Support Programs - a Chance to Experience Success'
The Hon. Bronwyn Pike MP, Minister for Education, launched Melbourne Citymission's
Learning Support Programs - A Chance to Experience Success at Meadowbank Primary School on Thursday 4 September.
Guests also watched a DVD made at Broadmeadows Learning Club - available to view below.
Other speakers included Dr Shelley Mallett, report author Anne Pate (both Melbourne Citymission), Rob Greenacre (Acting Principal, Meadows Primary School), Paul Otsuka (Tutor, Footscray Tutoring Program), Nasro Yussef (Student, Footscray Tutoring Program) and Joanne Moore (Parent, Broadmeadows Learning Club).
All speakers highlighted the increasing demand for Learning Support Programs, due to the growing number of disadvantaged pupils whose needs are not met during school hours. The many benefits of LSPs were also outlined, along with the need for new funding from State Government to ensure a sustainable future for the clubs.
Learning Support Programs (homework clubs and tutoring programs) provide support outside school hours in a variety of settings to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are at risk of poor educational outcomes. Melbourne Citymission’s previous research has shown that in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne alone, at least 1,300 children of primary and secondary school age participate in learning support programs run by community organisations.
This second report launched on 4 September presents the first substantive evaluation of student outcomes in Australia, in order to contribute to the policy debate regarding the role of learning support programs as an early intervention initiative and complementary strategy for at-risk students.
To read the report in PDF format click here.
To see photos of the event click here.
Research Queries:
Anne Pate
Senior Research Officer
Tel: 03 8625 4469
apate@mcm.org.au
Media Enquiries:
Deborah Fewster
Media & Advocacy Adviser
Tel: 03 8625 4444
Mobile: 0403 839 427
dfewster@mcm.org.au
