The challenge of social inclusion for Australian Schooling

The social inclusion policy agenda has led to significant reform of the way in which governments deliver social services. The health and community services sectors have been transformed by structural changes emanating from “joined up government” arrangements and multi-sectoral partnerships. Yet in spite of its dominance in national and international social policy circles, the social inclusion policy agenda has had minimal impact on how we deliver schooling. Although schools play a major role in determining the life chances of individuals, education has remained beyond the reach of the social inclusion policy agenda. This paper argues that reform of our school education systems is critical to achieving a more socially inclusive society. The author identifies directions for the reform of school education policy that would improve the capacity of schools to promote social inclusion. The paper reviews recent national government policy initiatives that aim to make Australian schools more responsive to the social inclusion policy agenda. Some of the challenges for Australian education policy in promoting social inclusion are discussed.