The Context for Change: Reconceptualising the 3Rs in Education for Indigenous Students

Abstract

In 2011, three years on from the Apology given by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations and coupled with the Federal Governments agenda to ‘close the gap’ in education for Aboriginal students, perhaps it is time to retrospectively look at the issues and challenges that have moulded the terrain of Aboriginal education in Western Australia. It is clear that over the last 200 years there has been progress in improving the access of schooling for many Aboriginal students. However the retention and successful completion of compulsory schooling still remain at unacceptable levels. It is these current performance levels that signpost that much is yet to be achieved in education for Indigenous students. Which leaves us to speculate if the terrain of Aboriginal education can be reshaped without addressing the very basics — 3Rs.