Millions needed to fix state schools: union
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The AEU says state schools need more federal funding. (www.sxc.hu: Vicky S, file photo)
A national survey has revealed Tasmania's public schools are falling behind.
The survey by the Australian Education Union (AEU) shows a $1.2 million shortfall in federal funding for each state school.
More than 90 per cent of principals who responded said they were struggling to meet the individual needs of students, due to larger class sizes.
The Opposition's education spokeswoman, Sue Napier, says because of the larger class sizes all students are missing out.
"We quite often become aware of instances where class sizes are above that level of 25, that's not acceptable when you also consider the very percentage of students within Tasmanian schools who have special needs," she said.
"We still haven't properly resourced and provided the specialist training for people to be able to deal with special needs children."
The AEU's Tasmanian president, Leanne Wright, says the schools need more federal funding.
"We have a number of children who are experiencing difficulties, partly because of their home life, the poverty they experience and so on, and they're not getting the help they need and that has an impact in the classroom and the ability of teachers to teach," she said.
The principal of Hagley Farm Primary School, Peter Kearney, agrees.
He says teachers are doing what they can, but standards will slip if more money is not provided to public schools.
"There's a long history of teachers working long hours and doing everything they can, including collecting children and bringing them to school and providing them with meals and all sorts of other things," Mr Kearney said.
"However, there's a limit to that and I think people are saying well, look we're doing everything we can but we're very far from convinced that the Federal Government's doing all it can for public education."
