Abstract:
Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) are important teaching-learning tools to assist in effective learning of students with some individual, special needs, whether these be remedial or to promote extension learning for average ability students or the gifted and talented. The research reported in this paper was funded and conducted as part of the Australian Government Quality Teaching Program. The research set out to describe how and where PLPs are being used in NSW schools, and to assess the current effectiveness of their use. Telephone interviews were conducted with 31 teachers and administrators in DET primary and secondary schools, independent schools and Catholic Education Office (CEO) administrative positions. The sample included 10 DET high school, 9 DET primary, 7 CEO and 5 independent school respondents. Schools selected as part of the sample ranged widely over NSW and many schools selected were situated in rural areas and isolated regions with numbers of students who might have special needs. It was estimated that in excess of 150 CEO primary, central and secondary schools were covered by interviews with personnel from the CEO regions selected. Results indicated that PLPs are being used reasonably appropriately for students with special needs and disabilities, and ATSI students, but generally are not being used widely to stimulate learning with typical students or gifted and talented students. The low rates of confidence revealed in teachers’ ability to use PLPs effectively, both in terms of actual classroom use of PLPs and effective record keeping, especially in government schools, indicate that much more needs to be done via professional development programs and other avenues to increase teachers’ levels of knowledge and skills for effective use of PLPs. Recommendations are made regarding professional development programs for teachers and also policy development.