CaSPA Board Update

The meeting began with updates from various educational forums, including discussions on school commitments, anti-bullying policies, and disability research initiatives. Strategic planning updates were shared, including progress on the national approach to education and upcoming conferences, while concerns were raised about principal responsibilities and bullying response strategies. The board addressed organizational compliance requirements, staffing changes, and upcoming meetings, including discussions about director elections and travel arrangements.  

Meeting Agenda included:

• EDUC Quarterly Principal Meeting
• Concern about some group Funding
• No Update re NCCD
• All state and Territory’s now signed up to funding agreement
• Anti-bullying review – looking to make it more streamlined
• Concerns with admin  
• Need for equity but research is focussed on Autism and ADHD  
• Future research- equity funding  
• Catholic Education Stakeholder Forum
• ACARA Peak Principal Forum: Slides to be distributed, NAPLAN site criticized by principals  
• AITSL Stakeholder Survey: Survey Data, Respondent themes, Principal feedback  
• Amplify TSL project (AITSL)                                                                            
• AI Seminar Update                                                                                         
• Conference                                                                                                      
• Draft Anti Slavery Policy                                                                                  

AERO - Disability and inclusion                                                                      

In 2025, AERO’s disability and inclusion research project will focus on Autistic students and students with ADHD. We are starting with this focus as national-level data suggests that the rise of students receiving additional supports is likely due to increasing numbers of children who are diagnosed with or receiving supports for autism and ADHD. In addition, systems and sectors have noted an interest in focusing less on questions of school setting, and more on the evidence for effective inclusive practices for students with disability.  

 We are looking to hold meetings with key stakeholders in June with a want to get a better understanding of the various policy contexts, issues and challenges to ensure that our research is fit for purpose.