Dan Tehan attacks Daniel Andrews over handling of schools during coronavirus crisis

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Dan Tehan attacks Daniel Andrews over handling of schools during coronavirus crisis

The Morrison government has launched a scathing attack on Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews over the controversial issue of opening schools during the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Andrews has been adamant in not opening schools for fear of spreading the virus, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged all schools to open but has previously said parents should listen to their premiers.

“The question to Dan Andrews is, sure, take a sledgehammer to defeating the coronavirus but why are you taking a sledgehammer also to your schools system?” Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan told ABC television’s Insiders program on Sunday.

It comes as a government-commissioned report showed almost half of Australian primary and secondary students are at risk of falling behind in their education if schools remain shut for too long.

Learning from home could disadvantage vulnerable students if nothing is done to support them, findings by the Rapid Response Information Forum chaired by chief scientist Alan Finkel show.

“If this is not addressed promptly and directly, learning gaps can emerge and widen,” contributing author and UNSW professor Andrew Martin said.

“It is vital that students who are at academic risk receive the necessary instructional and other supports required for them to successfully engage in remote or blended learning.”

The report was submitted to Education Minister Dan Tehan on Friday and is a synthesis of research from 35 organisations on the effects of online versus in-class education.

It says students from socio-economic backgrounds, with English as a second language, who have special learning needs or are from remote areas are at particular risk of poor learning outcomes.

Factors impacting the success of remote learning include digital access, home environment, family support, teacher and student readiness and capability.

A file photo of children sitting in a classroom during a lesson.

AAP

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are likely to face particular challenges with remote learning because of poor internet service, device availability, less interaction with indigenous teachers and the absence of culturally appropriate teaching in online resources.

The report suggests “blended learning” – a combination of face-to-face teaching and remote learning – could be as good as classroom learning for many students.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government’s coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone’s app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.

Source: SBS

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