Learning Alternatives

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Learning Alternatives

• Have we got what it takes? The skills, rewards
  and recognition needed for teachers, youth
  workers and others in Learning Alternatives.
• Christine
  Owen
• Australian National Schools Network

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Have we got what it takes?

• We equates to teachers, youth workers and
• others who might be involved in these alternative
• settings.
• It is clear that the one-size-fits-all-approach
• does not work. The clientele is very broad and a
• range of flexible approaches must be
• Available, resourced, supported and respected
• Not hidden, but valued as legitimate ways to
  educate young people
• Accountable for use of tax payer and/or sponsor
  dollars.

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Some things we know.about those who work in
these settings

• Are often regarded as slightly mad, subversive..
  somewhat alternative themselves.. even
  charismatic. but they
• Have respect for students and for their peers
• Desire to be with young people, understand (?)
  current youth culture and want young people to
  succeed
• Recognise the need to be authentic/real possess
  self-knowledge, good listening skills,
  sensitivity
• Are self-starters - capable of developing their
  own programs with links to student lives/needs
• Are also gatekeepers protecting their programs.

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We also know that they

• Are dedicated and put their heart and soul into
  supporting and protecting young people
• Often burnout!
• They will stay if
• Decent pay and non-wage rewards, such as
  structured time out and a creative balance of
  stress, enjoyment and professional rewards are
  possible..
• because like most people they respond to a sound
  and stimulating work culture and environment.

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Influences on student achievement (Hattie, J.,
Teachers Make a Difference. What is the Research
Evidence?, ACER 2003)
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The process

• Find your materials on the table
• Identify a facilitator (who will ensure each
  person get a chance to contribute)
• Identify a scribe (who will record and write-up
  the results of your discussion)
• Identify the blu-tak boss (who will post your
  results on the wall)
• Others (who are contributors to the discussion)

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Professional dialogue task

• Your efforts here will influence the communiqué
  and will be summarised and posted on the DSF
  website..
• You have 20 minutes to
• Provide 2 key suggestions for improving the
  current situation as you see it with regard to
  one of the following 6 focus areas

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Focus areas for discussion

• 1. Rewards and recognition
• 2. Communication
• 3. Skills and pre-service training
• 4. Dealing with isolation
• 5. Immediate PD needs
• 6. Ongoing PD needs

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Question 1 Rewards

• How should teachers, youth workers and others in
  alternate settings be rewarded and recognised at
• a. system level and
• b. school level?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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Question 2 Skills

• What special skills are required by those who
  work in alternate settings? What are the
  implications for pre-service training for both
  teachers and youth workers?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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Question 3 Communication

• How might communication be enhanced
• a. between teachers, youth workers and others in
  alternate settings and
• b. with those external to the school/ alternate
  setting eg systems and other authorities?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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Question 4 Isolation

• To lessen the isolation experienced by many in
  alternate settings who else should you be
  connected with that may assist/support you? How
  do you imagine this will occur?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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Question 5 PD now

• What are the immediate professional development
  needs of teachers and youth workers in alternate
  settings ie short term (in next 6-12 months)?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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Question 6 Future PD

• What are the on-going professional development
  needs of teachers and youth workers in alternate
  settings ie long term (over 1-3 years)?
• Who could/should take responsibility for
  implementing your suggestions?

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To finish up

• Your 2 suggestions are to be posted in the
  appropriate spot as we break for lunch..take
  time during lunch to read ideas from your
  colleagues.
• Thank you for helping us to gain a clearer
  picture of what it takes. And how you think we
  might develop and expand this important area in
  the education landscape.

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Thank you

• Please thank your table colleagues for
• their cooperation.