A Guardian investigation has uncovered deep failings in Australia’s education system, which is struggling to cope with the soaring number of children with disabilities.

There are now almost 1 million Australian school students classified as having a disability and needing some sort of adjustment to learn – a 40% increase since 2017.

They feel adrift and desperate as they try to navigate a school system for their child that was designed for a different reality.

At the same time, burnt-out teachers report that the demand to manage children with disabilities has become overwhelming.

One teacher said some of the classes at her Port Macquarie school have two-thirds of students needing an adjustment for a disability – a confronting reality for any educator.

At a state level, there is a patchwork of funding arrangements with limited transparency, leaving many children with disabilities without the support they need to receive an education.

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[–] Venator@lemmy.nz 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Wow, what happened since 2017 that caused a 40% increase?

[–] Railison@aussie.zone 3 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Covid?

On a related note, someone I know who works in education jokes that the number one cure for disability in students is graduation.

[–] Venator@lemmy.nz 1 points 2 years ago

Oh true, could be that, but I also just realised I misinterpreted the % increase. I was thinking if the number of disabled students was 1% before (I dunno what the actual number is though) it would now be 41%, but it was actually saying it would be 1.4% 😅 so if it was that low that might be explained by improving diagnosis rates.

[–] T156@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Covid?

In 2017? Seems a bit early, unless post-2017 is lumped together.