This assessment task requires you to analyse and reflect on a number of concepts.  This includes access to education, as well as change and formation of attitudes in the context of the work of educators in contemporary Australian settings. To complete this task, you will submit a written response of 1500 words (minimum) to no more than 2000 words (maximum) that includes each of the sections outlined below.  Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows: 
•  Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.

Attitudes towards difference and diversity can influence how society and communities experience social inclusion or exclusion. These attitudes can influence access and participation to all aspects of community life including education. In your response define the following concepts:

• Stereotype,
• Racism,
• Prejudice,
• Social justice.

Be sure to provide an example of each concept in action in Australian society.

Using specific examples from the media briefly outline the role of media in reflecting society and analyse the concept of inclusion versus exclusion to illustrate how different groups are represented.

Discuss how these media portrayals can affect students, especially those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Consider linking to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) 1.4 to strengthen your argument.

Summarise your findings and provide a clear stance on whether the Australian media is inclusive or exclusive, based on the evidence presented.

Identify and discuss the legislative frameworks that form the foundation for inclusive education policies in your state. Highlight how these laws advocate for diversity and inclusion within educational settings.

Discuss the impact of these legislations and policies on the legal responsibilities and practices of educators in schools, classrooms, or care settings, with reference to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) 7.2.

Demonstrate your understanding of the key principles outlined in the relevant codes of conduct and ethics for the teaching profession, as per APST 7.1.

Critically reflect on how you might approach your work in responding to diversity and inclusion as a future teacher.

Consider your responses to The Australian social context and Legislation and education policy outlined above:

• How do media representations of discrimination and/or social inclusion impact on your role as a teacher?
• How will both federal and state legislation, along with their related education policies, affect you in your role as a teacher?

• Also consider what influence your own cultural background and life experience may have on your attitudes around student diversity and inclusion.
• Include how you plan to engage with community and professional representatives to broaden your professional knowledge and practice (APST 7.4).
• Be sure to address how this continued professional learning will support you to improve student learning (APST 6.4).

Weighting: 50%
APST Descriptors demonstrated: 1.4, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4

Assessment will be marked against the following criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of specific key concepts relating to inclusion and diversity.
• Knowledge and understanding of social inclusion practices, with a particular focus on the impact for students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds (APST 1.4).
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and policies that inform inclusion policies and how these relate to ethics and responsibilities in the teaching profession (APST 7.1 & 7.2).
• Knowledge of the need to engage with community and professional representatives to broaden professional practice and an understanding of how this knowledge impacts on student learning (APST 6.4 & 7.4).

• Standard of academic writing and use of academic materials.

Differentiation is a process of adapting curricula and classroom environments to promote quality learning for all students. This task provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate an understanding of how inclusive practice can be achieved through responsive teaching and the selection of strategies that effectively cater for the characteristics of a diverse range of learners. To complete this task you will submit a written response of 1500 words (minimum) to no more than 2000 words (maximum) addressing each of the sections below.  Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows: 
•  Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.

Labelling and the rights of all students to access education (400-500 words)

Identify and analyse the debates surrounding inclusion, labelling, and access to education from the perspectives of students, parents, and teachers.

Explore how legislative requirements and teaching strategies support the participation and learning of students with disabilities, referencing APST 1.6.

You will also need to propose methods to support the general wellbeing and safety of students, aligning with APST 4.4.

Personal approach to differentiation (400-500 words)

You will now be aware that your classroom will have a diverse range of students with specific characteristics that affect their learning, ranging from cultural, linguistic, social-emotional, cognitive and physical disabilities, learning difficulties and socioeconomic differences (APST 1.1).

Using unit readings and your set text select, describe behaviour management and teaching strategies along with other important practices that are claimed to be responsive to the strengths and needs of diverse learners (APST 1.3 & 4.3).

You will need to outline how you would use these to establish inclusive practice in your classroom (APST 4.1).

Catering for Gifted and Talented learners (300-400 words)

Gifted and talented students are a group of specific learners that are often missed within the busy classroom.

Demonstrate what management and teaching strategies would you use to cater for this group of learners; and consider the ways you could meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities (APST 1.5).

Fostering positive relationships and quality education and care (400-500 words)

Demonstrate how your approach to differentiation would foster positive social relationships and well-being between teachers and diverse learners, families and communities in education / care settings.

You will need to focus on how you will involve parents in the educative process (APST 3.7) in an effective, sensitive and confidential way (APST 7.3).

Weighting: 50%
APST Descriptors demonstrated: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 7.3

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of competing arguments regarding inclusive teaching practices, wellbeing, and safety, within a framework of legislative requirements (APST 1.6 & 4.4).
• Knowledge and application of practices and strategies underpinning differentiation and inclusive practice (APST 1.1, 1.3, 4.1 & 4.3).
• Knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning strategies related to Gifted and Talented learners and how these strategies could be used to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities (APST 1.5).
• Articulation of appropriate practices for developing well-being and positive relationships among stakeholders in an effective, sensitive and confidential way (APST 3.7 & 7.3).
• Standard of academic writing and use of academic materials.