Submission: Inquiry into literacy and numeracy in ACT public schools

Given the vital role of education in fostering social and economic inclusion and equity, ACTCOSS are deeply concerned about the stark and growing disparities that characterise the education system in the ACT. Our education system is one of the most inequitable in Australia, with the ACT having the worst relationship between socio-economic status and performance in PISA assessments of all jurisdictions, with the exception of the Northern Territory. Disadvantaged students in the ACT are also falling behind in NAPLAN. The gap between disadvantaged and advantaged students in the ACT is about 1.5 years in Year 3 and increases to four years by Year 9. This submission focuses on the structural, social and economic factors shaping the reduction in equity and overall educational outcomes in the ACT, with a focus on the non-curricular needs of children who experience inequities and how literacy and numeracy outcomes could be improved through inclusive practices and community engagement.