A chronology of special education in Queensland

2000-2006

The Shead/Power Review of Ascertainment & Resourcing Methodologies for Students with Disabilities was undertaken.
IEPs were mandated for students whose special educational support needs were ascertained at levels 4, 5, or 6.
The Provision of Special Education Programs and Services to Students with Disabilities: Placement Policy was introduced.
The first bilingual-bicultural program for deaf/hearing impaired children commenced at Yeerongpilly Special Education Developmental Unit.
Isolated Students’ Programs were transferred to the Brisbane School of Distance Education.

45 special schools remained, with 219 special education units located in mainstream schools.
The bilingual-bicultural program moved into Year 1 at Toowong State School (following a co-enrolment model).

Appraisement of students with learning difficulties and learning disabilities was introduced for primary school students.
The Seven Point Plan (A Better Deal for Students with Disabilities) was announced in February.
A principal for the Staff College – Inclusive Education was appointed to progress the inclusive education agenda.
In March, the Minister for Education established the Taskforce on Inclusive Education (Students with Disabilities) to provide advice on how to make the schooling system more inclusive for students at educational risk, in particular students with disabilities and learning difficulties.

A Learning and Development Centre (Information and Communication Technologies – Students with Disabilities) was established to provide professional development for specialist staff in the use of technology for students with disabilities.
Certificates in Post-Compulsory School Education (CPCSE) were issued to 180 students from 63 trial schools across Queensland, ensuring that the achievements of students with special needs and students in special schools are recognised and recorded for use in further employment and training.

In June, the final report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Inclusive Education (Students with Disabilities) was tabled in Parliament. In response, the Minister for Education and the Arts announced a new Ministerial 10-point plan to boost inclusive education for students with disabilities.

The Education Adjustment Program (EAP) was introduced as a replacement for the ascertainment process, allowing the identification of the teaching adjustments that are made in class/school programs to support students with disabilities.

The Students with disabilities On-line Reporting System (SCOLR) was replaced by the Adjustment Information Management System (AIMS)

Last updated: January 2007