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Review of the Victorian College for the Deaf

Update on the independent review into the Victorian College for the Deaf (VCD) in response to concerns raised by the school community.

In June 2018, the Minister for Education called for an independent review into the Victorian College for the Deaf (VCD) in response to concerns raised by the school community.

The review was overseen by a panel which included representatives from the Deaf and hard of hearing community and was led by an independent chair, Ms Veronica Pardo.

This review has provided a unique opportunity for the school and broader community to come together to develop and deliver a shared vision for VCDs future.

This includes the educators and specialist support staff, parents and carers, extended family members, students, service providers, peak bodies, and the broader community who help support and contribute to lifelong achievements for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

VCD review progress updates

Messages from John Dainutis, Area Executive Director Western Melbourne, provided in Auslan to inform the Deaf community about the significant progress VCD have made against a number of actions and priorities identified to improve student outcomes.

Auslan translation: March 2021 progress update

Auslan translation: January 2020 progress update

Report and findings

The report submitted by Ms Pardo in April 2019 details the analysis and findings collected through a series of stakeholder meetings, a community workshop and an online survey, and provides a set of recommendations aimed to position the VCD for success.

The report highlights that more needs to be done to improve student outcomes and their aspirations. This will be a significant focus for us and the school leadership team in the coming years.

We have accepted all of the report’s recommendations, and are working to develop an action plan in consultation with the VCD to act on these recommendations.

Ms Pardo’s report also found that there are a number of broader systemic challenges in the education of Deaf and hard of hearing students including teacher education and pathways, which will be the subject of further work by the department.

Auslan translations

Minister's foreword message

Summary report - background and methodology

Summary report - findings and analysis

Summary report - recommendations

Download summary report

Response to the report findings

Auslan translation of the Department of Education and Training's statement

Download statement

Review conclusion

There is a ‘universal hope that the VCD could be supported to grow and thrive as a centre of excellent practice in the education of Deaf children and as a focal point for connection with the Deaf community’.

We support this view and are committed to working as partners with the school and broader community to develop and deliver a shared vision for VCDs future.

More information about the review

For more information on the review contact the South Western Regional Office team via email: swvr@education.vic.gov.au

Updated