What's newNew NSW Minister for EducationMr Adrian Piccoli has been appointed Minister for Education in the incoming NSW Government. See biographical details provided by the Parliament of NSW. Victorian Government plans to extend languages educationThe Victorian Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, has announced his government's commitment 'to revolutionise language education by creating one of the world's most diverse and effective Languages Other Than English programs'. This program includes the introduction of compulsory LOTE classes for every Victorian primary school, with a long-term plan to provide LOTE training for every government school student from prep to year 10 by 2025. See Minister's statement 5 April 2011. New autism program in SAA dedicated program for children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome is being planned in South Australia. It is due to open in 2013. See article in the Leader Messenger 6 April 2011. Maintenance issues face Victorian schoolsThere has been discussion in the media this week about the maintenance needs of government schools in Victoria. See report on ABC News 5 April and article in The Age 6 April 2011. Professor of curriculum writes on curriculum planning and national testingCurriculum expert Lyn Yates has written in The Sydney Morning Herald this week on issues surrounding the Australian Curriculum and national testing. See article 6 April 2011. See also the New publications section of this week's Curriculum Leadership, which includes two new titles edited by Ms Yates. Skype in the classroomSkype in the classroom is a free community to help teachers use Skype to help their students learn. It provides a means for teachers 'to connect with each other, find partner classes and share inspiration'. Publishing opportunity for teen writersWordWired supports young Australian writers. The organisation is currently inviting teenage writers to contribute to the first edition of its national magazine. Submissions can be made via an online forum up to 30 June 2011. |