Multicultural Education Aides (MEAs)

Each year, funding of approximately $9 million is provided to around 460 Government schools for the employment of multicultural education aides (MEAs). English as a second language (ESL) index funding is provided for the approximately 7 per cent of all students in schools who meet ESL eligibility criteria. Where a school reaches the ESL funding threshold, this funding is inclusive of MEA and ESL teacher funding.

Multicultural education aides (MEAs) provide an invaluable service to schools, ESL students and school communities. MEAs are able to assist with:

• effective communication between students and teachers in the classroom
• integrating ESL learners into school activities by helping them to understand school expectations and goals
• assisting teachers to understand the home cultures and the expectations families have of the school and of education in general
• assisting newly arrived families in their settlement into the new educational community.

For further information about the employment and roles of MEAs, see The MEA handbook (PDF - 297Kb).

This handbook will help school communities ensure that the best use is made of the skills and expertise of MEAs. It:

• outlines the role of the multicultural education aide and provides guidelines for aides and school administrators.
• advice on implementing effective MEA support for a school’s ESL student cohort
• provides information for MEAs about education in Victorian government schools
• provides links and resources, including links to professional development for MEAs.