scholarly journals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-52
Author(s):  
David Singh
Keyword(s):  
Student Outcomes ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Education Systems ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
Australian Education ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

Australian education systems have long been challenged by the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous student outcomes. All levels of Australian government, as well as Indigenous leaders and educators, however, continue to meet the challenge through exhortation, strategies and targets. The most prominent of such strategies is ‘Closing the Gap’, which gives practical expression to the Australian Government’s commitment to measurably improving the lives of Indigenous Australians, especially Indigenous children.

What's in a Name?: Exploring the Implications of Eurocentric (Re)naming Practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nomenclature in Australian Education Practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Weuffen ◽  
Fred Cahir ◽  
Margaret Zeegers
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Australian Curriculum ◽  
Curriculum Assessment ◽  
Australian Education ◽  
History Of ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Naming Practices

The aim of this article is to provide teachers with knowledge of ways in which Eurocentric (re)naming practices inform contemporary pedagogical approaches, while providing understandings pertinent to the mandatory inclusion of the cross-curriculum priority area: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2015). While we have focused on Eurocentric naming practices, we have also been conscious of names used by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders to name themselves and others and as non-Indigenous Australians we acknowledge that it is not our place to explore these in detail, or offer alternatives. In this article, we have explored the history of nomenclature as it relates to original inhabitants, the connotations of contemporary (re)naming practices in Australian education and discussed the importance of drawing on cultural protocols and engaging local communities for teaching and learning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. It is anticipated that discussions arising from this article may open up spaces where teachers may think about ways in which they approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Did DI do it? The impact of a programme designed to improve literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in remote schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Guenther ◽  
Samuel Osborne
Keyword(s):  
Direct Instruction ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Attendance Rates ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Literacy Outcomes ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
The Impact

AbstractOver the 10 years of ‘Closing the Gap’, several interventions designed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been trialled. In 2014 the Australian Government announced the ‘Flexible Literacy for Remote Primary Schools Programme’ (FLFRPSP) which was designed primarily to improve the literacy outcomes of students in remote schools with mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The programme, using Direct Instruction (DI) or Explicit Direct Instruction, was extended to 2019 with more than $30 million invested. By 2017, 34 remote schools were participating in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. This paper analyses My School data for 25 ‘very remote’ FLFRPSP schools with more than 80% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. It considers Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN reading results and attendance rates for participating and non-participating primary schools in the 3 years before the programme's implementation and compares them with results since. Findings show that, compared to very remote schools without FLFRPSP, the programme has not improved students' literacy abilities and results. Attendance rates for intervention schools have declined faster than for non-intervention schools. The paper questions the ethics of policy implementation and the role of evidence as a tool for accountability.

scholarly journals Impact of racism and discrimination on the physical and mental health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia: a protocol for a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila A Kairuz ◽  
Lisa M Casanelia ◽  
Keziah Bennett-Brook ◽  
Julieann Coombes ◽  
Uday Narayan Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Background Racism is increasingly recognised internationally as a key factor contributing to health disparities. A comprehensive body of strong research from international authors has reported negative associations between racism and health outcomes. In Australia, although the literature is more limited, available findings follow global trends. Australia has an identified health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, and despite efforts to bridge this gap, health inequities continue to exist. This scoping review aims to assess, analyse and synthesise the relationship between racism and discrimination on the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia.Method This is the study protocol for a scoping review. A systematic search will be conducted using five electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science and the Australia’s National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research. The database search will include studies published between 2000 and 2020. Reference lists of the included articles will be searched. Outcome measures will include physical and mental health components including chronic conditions, depression and anxiety, psychological distress, social and emotional difficulties, suicide and health-related outcomes such as wellbeing and life satisfaction. Duplications will be removed, and titles and abstracts will be reviewed to select studies. Full-text screening of preselected studies will be performed by four reviewers independently, to select studies according to inclusion criteria. Included studies will be appraised for quality using appropriate tools tailored for each study design. Data will be extracted, and study findings and characteristics synthesised in a narrative summary. Discussion Our scoping review will synthesise the evidence on the impacts of racism and discrimination in relation to the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia. These findings could guide future health interventions by addressing the exposure of racism and racial discrimination in order to reduce health disparity. It is anticipated the findings to be of interest to policymakers, researchers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community health organisations and other stakeholders interested in optimising public health interventions for and in partnership with Aboriginal and Strait Torres Islander communities of Australia. Scoping review registration The protocol for this review has been registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). The registration ID is CRD42020186193.

Closing the Gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Suicide: A Social-Emotional Wellbeing Service Innovation Project

2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delaney Michael Skerrett ◽  
Mandy Gibson ◽  
Leilani Darwin ◽  
Suzie Lewis ◽  
Rahm Rallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Innovation Project ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

scholarly journals Self-management programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with chronic conditions: A rapid review

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-123
Author(s):  
Ellie Moore ◽  
Sharon Lawn ◽  
Candice Oster ◽  
Andrea Morello
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Cultural Appropriateness ◽  
Evidence Summary ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

Objectives Review the evidence for the effectiveness of chronic condition self-management programs applied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Methods A rapid review methodology was followed to develop an evidence summary from peer-reviewed and grey literature. Results Only seven peer-reviewed studies were identified. The evidence indicated that group programs, particularly the Stanford Program, and structured individual chronic condition self-management programs were of good quality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, although these need to be integrated into practice in order to see the greatest benefits. The Flinders Program showed promise as a standardised program with content designed specifically with and for these populations. Numerous grey literature sources were identified, many using strong participatory approaches developed locally within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. However, few of these programs have been subject to rigorous evaluation. Discussion Despite the significant focus on chronic condition self-management programs to help address the burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, few studies exist that have been properly evaluated. The Closing the Gap Principles developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare offer important guidance for how to proceed to maximise engagement, cultural appropriateness and ownership of program initiatives.

Teaching Secondary Mathematics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Hine ◽  
Judy Anderson ◽  
Robyn Reaburn ◽  
Michael Cavanagh ◽  
Linda Galligan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Secondary Mathematics ◽  
Australian Curriculum ◽  
Australian Education ◽  
Mathematical Problems ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Short Answer Questions

Secondary mathematics teachers working in the Australian education sector are required to plan lessons that engage with students of different genders, cultures and levels of literacy and numeracy. Teaching Secondary Mathematics engages directly with the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to help preservice teachers develop lesson plans that resonate with students. This edition has been thoroughly revised and features a new chapter on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and ways of knowing into lessons. Chapter content is supported by new features including short-answer questions, opportunities for reflection and in-class activities. Further resources, additional activities, and audio and visual recordings of mathematical problems are also available for students on the book's companion website. Teaching Secondary Mathematics is the essential guide for preservice mathematics teachers who want to understand the complex and ever-changing Australian education landscape.

scholarly journals Upholding heightened expectations of Indigenous children? Parents do, teachers do not

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Huw Peacock ◽  
Jacob Prehn ◽  
Michael A. Guerzoni ◽  
Wendy Aitken ◽  
Clair Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Primary Caregiver ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Secondary Schooling ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Biological Mothers ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Biological Fathers

Abstract This paper argues that a component of increasing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youths completing their secondary education is having parents and teachers maintain heightened expectations of these children in achieving this goal. To understand this phenomenon, we investigate the importance of, and discrepancies between, primary caregiver and teacher outlooks regarding Indigenous youths completing year 12. For the purpose of this paper, we adopt the term ‘primary caregiver’ in place of parent. This is because the majority (87.7%) of P1s analysed are the biological mothers with the remainder being close female relatives. P2s analysed are all male, 93.3% are biological fathers; remainder are step-fathers or adoptive fathers. This paper uses quantitative data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children to measure expectations from parents and teachers of Indigenous children. Results suggest that parents maintain exceptionally high expectations of their children, while teacher's expectations significantly decline over the course of Indigenous children's primary and secondary schooling years. We suggest that relationships and communication between parents and teachers, regarding expectations of students, are important to establishing an equilibrium in expectations of children, and that teachers may benefit from further training to address any underlying biases towards Indigenous children.

scholarly journals Eating disorders amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Burt ◽  
Deborah Mitchison ◽  
Kerrie Doyle ◽  
Phillipa Hay
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (Indigenous Australians) have poorer mental health compared to other Australians. Yet, there is a lack of research into mental disorders among this population, especially for eating disorders (ED), which are amongst the most lethal and debilitating mental disorders. Aim We aimed to answer 2 questions: 1. What is the volume and content of literature on ED among Indigenous Australians? 2. Has a screening or diagnostic tool/instrument been developed for the assessment of ED amongst Indigenous Australians? Method We conducted a scoping review of electronic databases (Pubmeb, Embase, PsychInfo, Proquest, Cochrane Library, Indigenous HealtInfoNet and Scopus), for studies addressing ED, body image, muscle dysmorphia, weight and shape concern among Indigenous Australians, as well as diagnostic and screening tools. All relevant studies were reviewed in full by 2 researchers. Narrative synthesis of the data was performed. Results There is limited evidence for ED among Indigenous Australians, however, the evidence available strongly suggests that ED are more common among Indigenous Australians compared to other Australians. Eating disorders among Indigenous Australians are also associated with high levels of overvaluation of weight and shape. The increased risk of ED among Indigenous Australians was largely explained by factors such as poorer psychosocial wellbeing. No evidence was found for the existence of validated diagnostic or screening tools for ED in Indigenous Australians. Conclusion The evidence suggests ED are common among Indigenous Australians, and there are no diagnostic or screening tools available to assist clinicians in assessing them. More research is required in this field, especially towards the development of a validated and culturally specific screening or diagnostic tool for ED among Indigenous Australians.

scholarly journals Indigenous Australians with autism: A scoping review

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1031-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Bailey ◽  
Joanne Arciuli
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Torres Strait

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with autism spectrum disorder, used interchangeably with the term autism, are among the most marginalised people in Australian society. This review maps out existing and emerging themes in the research involving Indigenous Australians with autism based on a search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature. Our search identified 1457 potentially relevant publications. Of these, 19 publications met our inclusion criteria and focused on autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and prevalence, as well as carer and service provider perspectives on autism, and autism support services for Indigenous Australians. We were able to access 17 publications: 12 journal articles, 3 conference presentations, 1 resource booklet and 1 dissertation. Findings suggest similar prevalence rates for autism among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, although some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with autism may not receive a diagnosis or may be misdiagnosed. Research on the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers and Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers is discussed in relation to Indigenous perspectives on autism, as well as barriers and strategies to improve access to diagnosis and support services. Although not the focus of our review, we briefly mention studies of Indigenous people with autism in countries other than Australia. Lay Abstract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with developmental disabilities such as autism are among the most marginalised people in Australian society. We reviewed research involving Indigenous Australians with autism based on a search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature. Our search identified 1457 potentially relevant publications. Of these, 19 publications were in line with our main areas of inquiry: autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and prevalence, carer and service provider perspectives on autism, and autism support services. These included 12 journal publications, 3 conference presentations, 1 resource booklet and 1 thesis dissertation. Findings suggest similar prevalence rates for autism among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, although some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with autism may not receive a diagnosis or may be misdiagnosed. We also discuss research on the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers and Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers, as well as barriers and strategies for improving access to diagnosis and support services.

scholarly journals Culturally safe and sustainable solution for Closing the Gap-registered patients discharging from a tertiary public hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Scott Mitchell ◽  
Hayley Michael ◽  
Stephanie Highden-Smith ◽  
Vivian Bryce ◽  
Sean Grugan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Cardiac Care ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

This case study describes the development, implementation and review of a sustainable and culturally sensitive procedure for a hospital-funded discharge medicine subsidy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients registered with the Closing the Gap (CTG) program discharging from a public hospital. A 7-day fully subsidised medication supply was approved to be offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients admitted under cardiac care teams, including cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery patients. Patients were offered the option of a 7-day supply free of cost to them or a full Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) supply if preferred. A general practitioner (GP) appointment was organised within 7 days of discharge to ensure patients received ongoing supply of their medications as well as timely clinical review after discharge. Over a 34-month period from September 2015 to June 2018, 535 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients were admitted to the hospital under cardiac care teams. Of these patients, 296 received a subsidised discharge medication supply with a total cost of A$6314.56 to the hospital over the trial period, with a mean cost of A$21.26 per discharge. The provision of subsidised medications through the CTG program has improved the continuity of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The culturally sensitive approach is well received and has allowed smooth transition back to the community. This site-specific and state-based funding model was found to be financially sustainable at a public hospital. What is known about the topic?The CTG PBS program is not applicable to discharge prescriptions from public hospitals. As such, patients are required to either leave the hospital with no medicines or leave the hospital with medicines for which they have to pay full PBS price. This creates a huge financial barrier to the care for CTG-registered patients in the acute care setting. What does this paper add?A sustainable solution to the problem was found via a state-funded model while providing a supportive team to ensure GP follow-up and continuity of care after discharge. What are the implications for practitioners?If similar approvals are granted and supported at other public hospital sites, practitioners will be afforded one less barrier to provide patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

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