Pioneering partnership paves the way for global standard in autism-specific education
Sydney, Australia: A pioneering new initiative is underway as leading autism educator, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) partners with global education leader Dr Lyn Sharratt, to adapt her renowned mainstream learning framework in an autism-specific education environment.
The Australian-first collaboration – which could become the global standard for autism-specific schools - kicks off this week as Dr Sharratt begins work with Aspect’s fifty plus staff across its nine dedicated school campuses in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The two-year partnership will see the most innovative, evidence-based education approach implemented in Aspect’s schools, to create positive outcomes for autistic children and young people.
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s Head of Education said it was a coup to partner with Dr Sharratt, a world expert who has a track record of substantially increasing school performance and has dedicated her career to fostering collaborative school cultures.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Dr Sharratt on this ground-breaking work and demonstrate that her globally sought-after mainstream learning framework can be successfully adapted to an autism-specific classroom,” said Ms Gosling.
“The major objective of this program is to increase and measure student growth and achievement while strengthening our educators’ knowledge of teaching and learning in an autism-specific context. Data will be used to track improvement in student outcomes and achievements before, during and after the two-year program.”
Ms Gosling added that the partnership affirms Aspect’s ‘transition approach’ to learning by equipping students with the capabilities and skills required to transition to a mainstream school.
“Dr Sharratt’s overarching belief that all students can achieve high standards given the right support is completely aligned with Aspect’s philosophy of creating inclusive, equitable and support learning environments,” added Dr Sharratt.
“Aspect employs more than fifty teaching staff who are eager to be involved in this inaugural work, that will support their development by building instructional leadership and a culture of high expectations.
“Our teachers and support staff are incredibly committed to our wonderful students and their families and Dr Sharratt’s approach will further build on these authentic relationships by fostering even more engaged and empowered learners,” added Ms Gosling.
Dr Sharratt’s learning framework comprises 14 parameters that emphasise the importance of fostering a collaborative school culture where all stakeholders are actively engaged to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed.
“I am thrilled to be on this journey with Aspect to deliver new ideas and opportunities that will increase achievement levels for all students by equipping educators with effective development tools to support student learning,” said Dr Sharratt.
“Aspect has a wonderful culture with extremely talented educators and I applaud Aspect’s commitment to further evolve and enhance its learning framework to empower teachers and help students achieve best possible learning outcomes.”
Dr Sharratt has successfully implemented learning frameworks in mainstream school settings across the US, Canada, Chile, UK and Australia.
“On a personal and professional level, the collaboration with Aspect is truly exciting as we adapt tried and tested mainstream school frameworks in an autism-specific learning environment. It is possible our partnership could lead to a best practice standard for autism-specific schools globally,” added Dr Sharratt.
The collaboration will involve a combination of face to face learning as well as online group and individual work, with regular progress checks culminating in a learning fair in November 2023 to showcase and discuss milestones and achievements.
For more information:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum and their families to deliver distinct services, practices and research that recognise a different brilliant® - understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum.
About Dr Lyn Sharratt
Dr Sharratt combines academic theory with hands-on educational leadership experience and has a track-record of substantially increasing school performance. Dr Sharratt is an Honorary Fellow, University of Melbourne, Graduate School of Education and holds a BA in Social Work from the University of Waterloo, a BEd from the University of Western Ontario, an MEd from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, a Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto, and Supervisory Officer qualifications from the Province of Ontario. She is a highly accomplished practitioner, researcher and author.
