The National Foundation Skills Framework 2022-2032 recognises ‘the critical role foundation skills play in equipping Australian adults to participate confidently in the community, the workplace, and in education and training’[i].
In Tasmania, there is significant state-wide foundation skill need, with 49.8% of Tasmanians not functionally literate[ii]. Tasmania also has the lowest digital ability in the country[iii].
To address this, TasTAFE has redesigned our general foundation skills study support model, moving to a multi-tiered system of supports (figure 1). This response to intervention approach allows us to target specific vocational foundation skills, where the intensity and frequency is determined by learner skill development need. A tiered response is for all learners at all levels. It is not limited to an Australian Core Skills Framework level.
This approach will advance cultural change to reduce stigma while tackling a deficit approach to foundation skills by including all staff, both teaching and non-teaching, in workforce development to build knowledge and skills so that everyone can take responsibility as appropriate to their role.
This redesign aims to lead organisational change to increase learner access and equity, build student skill and success and ultimately increase the foundation skills of the Tasmanian community.
This presentation showcases a contemporary, research informed approach to a challenge that is prevalent across the TAFE sector. The audience will gain insight into why and how the new model has been designed specifically for a TAFE setting, how we approached consultation, stakeholder engagement and research and what results are being achieved as we progress the model.
[i] National Foundation Skills Framework 2022 to 2032 (5).pdf
[ii] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011-2012). Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, Australia. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/education/programme-international-assessment-adult-competencies-australia/latest-release.
[iii] The national picture (digitalinclusionindex.org.au)