‘Dare to lead’ improving education for Koori kids – an inspirational response

“We never dreamed we would get that response…the joy I have experienced is amazing – to really feel you are making a difference for Koori kids” said Brian Giles-Browne, NSW State Coordinator of the Dare to Lead project, in summer 2004.

Building on $3.2 million given in 2002, another $8 million has been given to this initiative of the Australian Principals Association Professional Development Council to support principals working to improve Indigenous education results.

The project aims to sign up 5000 principals and their communities but interest in the project had outstripped the capacity to fund it, with 2,880 schools, nationally, joining the coalition and 15 to 20 more joining each week.

Principals receive a variety of learning opportunities and support and Dare to Lead member schools with Indigenous students over 3 years aiming for:
(1)a 10% improvement in literacy at Year 5
(2)a 10% or more improvement in completion rates for a recognised Year 12 course.

Schools with no Indigenous students revise curricula so all students develop an understanding of Indigenous people and their culture. Principals and teachers are helped gain the knowledge and skills to make connections at the local level, which is seen as the key to the project’s success.

CONTACTS:
Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663 – Dr Brendan Nelson’s Office
Laila Lacis 0412 040 034 – Dept of Education, Science & Training