NT school attendance rises after ‘sharp decline’ over eight-year period
Two education leaders have weighed in on what the Territory’s slight boost in attendance means after an eight-year ‘sharp decline’.
Education
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School attendance in the NT could finally be on the mend after fresh data revealed more students went to class in 2023 than they did the year before.
Productivity Commission data shows the student attendance rate for Years 1-10 lifted 1.2 percentage points to 77.2 per cent in 2023.
Education Minister Mark Monaghan said increasing engagement was the most important factor when boosting attendance and other results.
Mr Monaghan said on-Country initiatives, two-way learning, interactive STEAM centres, and programs such as Families as First Teachers were key to getting kids into classrooms throughout their learning journey.
“We also deeply understand community involvement is critical to overcoming the complex and unique circumstances influencing Aboriginal attendance rates,” he said.
“As such, a range of programs are in place which implement community partnerships into schools such as LEAD Committees across 43 Government schools which see Aboriginal parents and or community members involved in school decision making.”
Mr Monaghan said the government would continue to foster education outcomes and focus on engaging kids with learning as early as possible.
But 2023’s slight increase in attendance comes after a downward slope since 2015, when it stood at 83.5 per cent.
Opposition Education Spokeswoman Jo Hersey welcomed the slight rise in attendance but was critical of the overall “sharp decline”.
Mrs Hersey said the reduced number of kids in classes meant many didn’t meet basic literacy and numeracy levels.
“The CLP know that getting kids into the classroom is about accountability,” she said.
“Under a CLP government truancy officers will work with families to improve school attendance.
“We also understand that support measures should extend beyond education to involve Territory Families, community leadership, and service providers.”
The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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