What's newJulia Gillard addresses Australian National Schools Network ForumThe Australian Government Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has addressed the annual forum of the Australian National Schools Network (ANSN), speaking on a range of issues including school performance reporting, the Smarter Schools National Partnerships with State and Territory governments, teacher quality, the Teach for Australia program, and the forthcoming Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. See transcript of Minister's speech 17 November 2009 and article in The Australian 18 November 2009. School performance reporting updateAustralian Government Education Minister Julia Gillard has indicated that the new schools reporting system may be amended to allow schools to be assessed on a broader range of criteria than previously envisaged. See article in The Age 16 November 2009. See also media release by the Australian Education Union 17 November 2009. Racism 'permeates schools'A national study has found that almost 80 per cent of students from non–Anglo-Saxon backgrounds have experienced some form of racial vilification. Students of African and Indian descent are particularly at risk of racism. See article in The Age and report on ABC News, both 19 November 2009. Indian and Australian education ministers announce plans for regular meetingsThe Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd have announced plans for an annual dialogue between the education ministers of each country, to monitor the safety and wellbeing of Indian students in Australia. See article in The Sydney Morning Herald 14 November 2009. Classroom violence teachers' biggest concernPrincipals need greater autonomy and flexibility in setting policies and managing behavioural issues in their schools, according to a commentary by Kevin Donnelly in the Courier-Mail 16 November 2009. 2009 Australian Vocational Student PrizeThe Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) recognises Year 12 students who demonstrate exceptional skills, commitment and achievement while undertaking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. Each year, the AVSP recognises up to 500 outstanding Year 12 students. Students are nominated by their school and each winner receives $2000 and a certificate. See the AVSP website for nomination details and selection criteria. New broadband for NSW schoolsThe New South Wales Government has signed an agreement with Telstra for a broadband rollout that could increase internet speeds in schools and TAFEs 'by up to 20 times'. See article in The Daily Telegraph 20 November 2009. NSW Department of Education reports positive parent feedback on NAPLANA survey conducted by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training has found that 90 per cent of parents believe it is important for their children to take part in the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). It also found that 82 per cent of respondents found the information in their child's NAPLAN report was useful and that the report had helped to identify areas in which their child may need extra help. See statement by the State Minister for Education and Training Verity Firth, 11 November 2009. Two Victorian government primary schools showcased at the Worldwide Innovative Education ForumTwo Victorian government primaries were among 42 schools showcasing modern learning at the recent Worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Brazil. See statement by Victorian Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, 16 November 2009. New funding for the Royal Children's Hospital's Education Institute in VictoriaThe Victorian Government has announced that it will fund the expansion of education programs provided by the Royal Children's Hospital's Education Institute. See statement by Victoria's Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, 17 November 2009. SA schools prepare for new SACEThe South Australian Government has provided additional funding for teacher professional development in preparation for the introduction of the new South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) next year. The training will cover new and revised subjects at Year 11 and 12 levels, as well as a new A–E grading system. See Premier's statement 17 November 2009. Tougher school truancy laws in SASouth Australian Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has announced that provisions for stricter school truancy laws are currently being drafted. Under the new laws, parents may face prosecution for failing to send their children to school. See Minister's media release 17 November 2009. |