Stronger Smarter Learning Communities (SSLC)

Stronger Smarter Learning Communities (SSLC) is a national landmark project emphasising high-expectations and relational approaches to Indigenous Education. It has been funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to a total of $M16.4 over 4 years. Its overall aims and objectives are to transform schools through the building of leadership capacity and thereby to sustain and grow improved student outcomes within Indigenous communities.

The program will operate via targeted school community sites, known as the 'SSLC hubs', with leaders charged with supporting, developing and challenging staff and community leaders in up to three local 'affiliated schools' as well with linking with others on the national network. Over the next three years the number of Stronger Smarter Learning Community sites will grow to a total 60, and the number of affiliated schools to 180-240.

The Stronger Smarter Learning Community program is also being independently evaluated by a high-profile team established within Queensland University of Technology's Education Faculty, assisted by reference groups of key international and Indigenous education researchers link to SSLC Research page.

SSLC Project Objectives

National network of learning communities - To work collaboratively with schooling authorities across Australia to develop and sustain a gradually-developing national network of up to 60 Stronger Smarter Learning Communities (SSLCs), such that each SSLC is committed to a high-expectation, and relational approach to Indigenous education; is led by a principal who has successfully completed the Stronger Smarter School Leaders program and positively influences the quality of the programs offered to Indigenous students in 3 - 4 other schools.

Outcomes focus - To sustain in each SSLC, in comparison with designated Like Schools not involved in the project, higher outcome levels on key indicators of Indigenous student access, engagement and performance; school leadership and teaching quality; and Indigenous community engagement.

Sustainable transformations - To support SSLCs in sustaining their transformed programs and developing the capacities of school and community leaders via; opportunities for networking and mentoring, provision of professional learning opportunities and materials; supplementary funding and additional ICT equipment.

Quality research and policy advice - To develop and sustain a world-class model of educational research and evaluation for the project; and to provide, information to governments and education authorities concerning conditions which appear to affect the sustainability and national scalability of transformed practices in schools for Indigenous education

SSLC Project

The Stronger Smarter Learning Communities staff at the Institute currently comprises: