St.G
Your observation is substantially correct. There are several causes. The most-basic one is that since the referendum which recognised Aboriginals they have received "sit down" money which discouraged any useful endeavours and gave them the right and means to consume deleterious amounts of alcohol. The mixed race ones who were fortunate enough to have been removed from the primitive tribal areas have generally done all right, as have those who have been educated by the various Christian missions around the outback. The ones who remain will forever remain, regardless of how much money is spent on trying to educate them. It is a bit akin to the passage in the Bible where Jesus makes the comment in Matthew 26.11 "For ye have the poor always with you"

David

Just to be even handed, I might add that the above comments also apply to a substantial number of non-indigenous welfare recipients too.

David

'Even more scary is general australian literacy and numeracy.'
Posted by individual, Thursday, 28 June 2012 9:44:54 PM

Even more scary is the fact that we do nothing about the task that is set failing learners - the spelling system. Experiment!
2011, Yule, Valerie 'Recent developments which affect spelling. On the possibility of removing the unnecessary difficulties in English spelling, while leaving the basic appearance of English print intact.' English Today, 107, vol 27, No 3. Sept 2011, pp 62-67 http://journals.cambridge.org/repo_A839oLF6

To expect indigenous Australian children outback (and in cities) to understand the Norman-French, Germanic, Greek and Latin origins of our spelling is extraordinary.

While there are many disturbing facets to this article, the one I am most concerned about is that judgement of 'success' of the indigenous education policies and practices is being judged by NAPLAN scores.

Anyone who uses NAPLAN scores alone to make policy is lazy, uninformed and politically motivated.

David - "mixed race ones", "fortunate enough to have been removed from the primitive tribal areas" and then quoting from the bible. Sounds to me that you're OK as long as its done the white way.

Have you considered that your white way may not be the right way?