Approximately 44% of Indigenous Australians have
low literacy levels in Standard Australian English, compared with 19% of
non-Indigenous Australians (ABS 1996). Literacy difficulties are compounded for
Indigenous students because English is often their second, third or fourth
language.
Proficiency in literacy and numeracy increases
the ability to successfully access and complete vocational education and
training (VET) courses. There is currently little information and support for
teachers dealing with this issue. This guide aims to assist teachers by
providing a set of ‘good practice’ strategies for designing effective literacy
and numeracy programs for Indigenous VET students, and for building effective
literacy and numeracy support into existing VET courses.
