Targeted Programs Authority (TPA)
THE AUTHORITY
The SA Independent Schools Targeted Programs Authority Inc provides Australian Government funding to Independent schools through a range of targeted assistance programs funded under the Schools Assistance Act 2008:
- Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs Program
- English as a Second Language - New Arrivals Program
- Country Areas Program
- Languages
The Authority also administers the VET in Schools program and the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program on behalf of the Commonwealth.
All Independent schools in South Australia are eligible to access the funds regardless of their affiliation with the Association of Independent Schools of SA. The Authority provides direction and advice to independent schools on the development, implementation and monitoring of the various program areas.
The Authority is an incorporated organisation and is guided by a separate constitution. A Management Committee and Executive Officer administer it. The Management Committee has representatives from the key interest groups within the independent sector. It sets policy and coordinates the business of the Authority. It approves the annual workplans, budget expenditure statements for each Program, monitors the progress of the planned activities and evaluates the outcomes of each Program. It also analyses government policy and sets overall policy directions for the Targeted Programs.
For information regarding funding for these programs please refer to the Teaching & Learning section on our website under Funding for Programs CLICK HERE.
Further information about Targeted Programs can be found in the 2009 Administrative Guidelines on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website CLICK HERE to download.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Educational Accountability
An Educational Accountability Report for each of the Program areas must be completed by the school in an agreed common format and submitted to the SA Independent Schools Targeted Programs Authority by the end of the Program Year. Each of the Reports must detail the monitoring and assessment undertaken by the school to indicate how, and to what level, the outcomes of each project were attained. Individual student progress must be mapped within these reports, as Commonwealth funds are targeted to specific student needs and outcomes.
Financial Accountability
Schools in receipt of grants greater than $10,000 must submit a Financial Accountability Form signed by an authorised auditor on behalf of the school. This form is distributed to the school late in the respective Program Year for return early in the following year. This form confirms that the funds received under each targeted area have been used for the purposes of meeting expenditure in respect of each program year and in accordance with the conditions specified in the Agreement signed by the school. Approved funding must be committed by 31 December of the respective Program Year.