What's newNational survey of bullyingA national online survey of school teachers is investigating the bullying of teachers by parents and senior staff members. The survey follows the publication of research findings that reveal an alarming incidence of such workplace bullying in schools. The University of New England is hosting the survey, which became available on the 22nd of June and will remain open until the 1st of October. See media release 17 July 2007. australianscreen onlinePeople all over Australia and internationally will be able to access Australia's audiovisual heritage for free via the Internet following the launch of the Australian Film Commission's groundbreaking digital resource, australianscreen, by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Helen Coonan. australianscreen has been developed in partnership with the Curriculum Corporation, through the Le@rning Federation, with a focus on creating a relevant and engaging tool for educators around the country. See Australian Film Commission media release 18 July 2007. Minister for Education announces review of the Victorian Institute of TeachingVictoria's Minister for Education, John Lenders, has announced a comprehensive State Government review of the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The review will examine whether the organisation’s functions, structure and legislative mandate still meet the expectations of school students, the government, community and teachers. Frank King, the President of the Emergency Services Superannuation Board and former Deputy Secretary of Victoria’s Department of Treasury and Finance, will conduct the review. See Ministerial media release 17 July 2007. Year 6 maths results in New Zealand show huge improvementNew Zealand Education Minister Steve Maharey has announced that the performance of Year 6 maths students has improved hugely as a result of numeracy projects focused on better teaching. The Numeracy Development Projects (NDP) have been carried out in most of the nation's primary schools since 2000, and have improved maths results for all students. Secondary schools have been involved since 2005 and are also starting to show some progress. See Ministerial media release 19 July 2007. New physical activity programs in Queensland public schoolsThe Queensland Government has unveiled a new strategy to improve the health, wellbeing and fitness levels of students in the State. Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said Smart Moves - Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools was developed following a review of physical activity of students. See Ministerial media release 17 July 2007. Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement in New ZealandThe Chair of the New Zealand Secondary Principals’ Council, Arthur Graves, has said that 'the increased expectations and complexities of a secondary principals’ job have brought recruitment and retention issues to the forefront of this year’s claims for the renewal of the Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement'. See media release by the Post Primary Teachers' Association, 19 July 2007 (scoop.co.nz). Websites for young childrenWebsites such as like Club Penguin and Webkinz are attracting children as young as six or seven. In response, some parents and schools are teaching early lessons on Internet safety, etiquette and how to balance online with offline activities. See article in DelawareOnline 15 July 2007. Walking or cycling to school falls over 40% in USAIn 1969, about 90 percent of US children who lived within a mile of school arrived by foot or bicycle. In 2004, only 48 percent did so even one day a week, according to a forthcoming US research report cited by an article in the Houston Chronicle 13 July 2007. |