Literacy school closure mess needs urgent resolution

Commenting on a story on page 1 of today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Keneally slammed on school closure'), Dr Kaye said: "The future of Dalwood diagnosis and Palm Ave school are now mired in confusion, thanks to Verity Firth losing control over the education bureaucracy.
 
"Young people from remote NSW face an uncertain future as the Education Department and its Minister continue to put out conflicting stories.
 
"The Minister has allowed the residential staff to be sacked and the health team to be broken up.
 
"There is no site or staff for the residential program for term 1 and parents are being told it will not be an option, despite the Minister's assertions that it will be available.
 
"Ms Firth continues to spread misinformation about the success of the unique one month residential program.
 
"The highly effective face-to-face diagnosis and intensive teaching has a stunning track record. Children receive a massive boost to their literacy skills and continue to improve with follow-up support once they return home.
 
"Ms Firth wants to replace the proven winner with a 'connected classroom' model where students receive specialist assistance over the internet and electronic smart boards.
 
"The Greens challenge the Minister to produce any evidence that remote teaching will work, especially given that many of these children have other learning challenges, including language delay and ADHD.
 
"The Minister is allowing an evidence-based program to be replaced by a service that is unlikely to succeed.
 
"It is time for Ms Firth to admit that she has lost control of the situation and call for help in restoring this important service," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455