Towards Culturally Appropriate Behaviour Support: Teacher attitudes and strategies to support Australian Indigenous students

Towards Culturally Appropriate Behaviour Support delves into the pressing issue of understanding and responding to student behaviour, with a focus on Indigenous students. Drawing from more than two decades of teaching experience, Dr Linda Llewellyn explores the unique challenges faced in classrooms and the stark reality of disproportionate suspensions and exclusions of Indigenous students. This book is grounded in the author's first-hand experiences and extensive research, providing insights into the cultural differences that significantly impact teaching effectiveness. Featuring excerpts from interviews with Indigenous teachers, teacher aides, liaison officers and family members, the book highlights the crucial role of understanding and respect in creating supportive learning environments. At the heart of the book are the TASSAIS Themes (Teacher Attitudes and Strategies to Support Australian Indigenous Students), a set of attitudes and strategies developed through rigorous research and collaboration with Indigenous communities. These themes offer practical guidance on building strong teacher-student relationships, understanding cultural contexts, and implementing effective pedagogical and behavioural strategies. By emphasising the importance of self-reflection and cultural awareness, the author provides a comprehensive framework for educators to enhance their teaching practices and foster equitable educational outcomes for Indigenous students.

About the Author :
Dr Linda Llewellyn is a non-Indigenous educator born in Charters Towers and raised in Brisbane, now residing in Townsville on Bindal and Wulgurukaba lands to be closer to her grandchildren. With nearly 30 years of experience as a classroom and behaviour support teacher across multiple systems, Linda has held leadership roles including at Shalom Christian College and as Acting Director of the RATEP program. She completed a PhD focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategies for student behaviour support. Currently, she works as a behaviour support consultant for Catholic schools.

Review :
It is our great pleasure to endorse this groundbreaking and exciting contribution to the much-needed education framework for our Indigenous children across Australia. Matthew O'Connor, President of KACC and the Yugambeh Museum Towards Culturally Appropriate Behaviour Support provides an opportunity for individuals, schools and communities alike to contemplate how their interwoven working relationships impact the behaviours of the students within our classrooms. Dr Linda Llewellyn examines these uncomplicated yet fundamental concepts through sharing the rich lived experiences of Indigenous Australians and provides specific examples of what teachers can do in each instance. The book offers insights for educators to look with curiosity at their own capabilities in this space. An easy read with practical tools for classrooms. Dr Caroline Blackley, Director of Blackley Group Pty Ltd, Founder of Four Dimensions and the 4D Framework Towards Culturally Appropriate Behaviour Support is an easy-to-read guide for educators working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. The practical information for day-to-day implementation is supplemented with eye-opening anecdotes from Indigenous students, educators and family members. A must-read for both the experienced and those who are new to the field. Tania Fragnito BEd(Prim), BECE, MEd and Theol