What's newImplementation of teacher reforms in NSWNSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli has announced plans 'to give greater support to beginning teachers in NSW government schools and empower government school principals to manage teacher underperformance'. See also article in the Sydney Morning Herald 14 August 2013. WA implements funding, staffing changesThe Western Australian Government has announced a major overhaul of public school funding. See report on ABC News and article on PerthNow, both 20 August 2013. Queensland project seeks to lift reading skills of students in rural and mining communitiesThe University of Queensland is leading a project designed to improve the reading skills of students in rural and mining communities, in collaboration with Education Queensland and a commercial partner organisation. How has social media influenced your professional practice?In a new video clip from AITSL, teacher Selena Woodward describes how social media has enlarged her opportunies for professional development, by putting her in touch with peers worldwide, as well as leading educational thinkers and online discussions at conferences. The clip is part of AITSL's Teacher Feature section, 'a web-based platform that allows teachers to upload video snapshots of themselves talking about the things related to their practice that are most important to them'. Digital Ideas for the Classroom: free PD sessions from ABC Splash LiveABC Splash is hosting free professional development events in Sydney (6 September) and Melbourne (13 September) for primary and secondary teachers interested in discovering more about online learning. Music 'holds key to providing a quality education system'Richard Gill, artistic director of the Sydney Symphony education program, writes on the importance of music education for general academic development. See opinion article in the Sydney Morning Herald 12 August 2013. Study examines children's independent travelA two-year study has revealed that the final years of primary school are critical for developing children’s confidence and independence to travel without their parents in their communities. The Stepping Out study, conducted by the University of Melbourne and VicHealth, aimed to increase understanding of how children negotiate independent travel, and to find ways to encourage children to walk independently and foster health and well-being. See media release from the University of Melbourne 14 August 2013. |