What's newChristopher Pyne speaks on teacher standards, curriculum, role of non-government sectors and school communitiesThe new Australian Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne, has delivered a speech at the National Conference of the Independent Education Union of Australia, covering topics including teacher standards, curriculum, the role of non-government school sectors and school communities. See also article in The Australian and article in the Sydney Morning Herald both 4 October, and News.com.au report 3 October 2013. Christopher Pyne speaks on school fundingThe new Australian Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne, has spoken on school funding during an interview on the ABC 7.30 Report 15 October 2013. See video and transcript. ACARA Update surveyThe ACARA Update is a monthly email newsletter that highlights ACARA’s activities, achievements and employment opportunities. Please take five minutes to complete the ACARA Update survey. The survey will close at 5pm AEST on Friday 25 October 2013. AITSL survey on new Teacher StandardsAITSL, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is conducting a three year evaluation of the implementation of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. The evaluation aims to determine the usefulness, effectiveness of implementation and impact of the Standards on improving teacher quality. As part of this process, AITSL is encouraging all teachers, school leaders, teacher educators and preservice teachers to participate in a survey on individuals’ knowledge and awareness of, attitudes towards, and use of the Standards, and their perceptions of the impact of the Standards in Australian schools/educational facilities. Feedback invited on the new digital edition of Curriculum & Leadership JournalCurriculum & Leadership Journal's web version is now complemented by a new interactive digital edition, which contains selected material from the web version in a completely new image-rich format that may be viewed on an iPad. The new C&LJ app can be downloaded to your iPad for free via the App store. Please also take the time to complete the following survey on the new digital version, to provide feedback on the first two issues. NSW Board of Studies invites feedback on languages educationIn Term 4 the Board of Studies NSW is conducting public consultations on six proposals for a broader, more inclusive languages education for all NSW students. The proposals were developed following analysis of the research literature and best practice both in Australia and overseas, and initial conversations with key stakeholders. The six proposals are outlined in the Learning through Languages key documents. Feedback is invited on the online survey and/or by attending a consultation meeting. See also article in the Sydney Morning Herald 9 October 2013. Victorian Government considers new performance review processes for principals and teachersThe Victorian Government is considering revisions to performance review processes for principals and teachers, according to an article in The Age 28 September 2013. See also article in The Age 17 October 2013. Value of 'learning styles' concept challengedAn opinion piece on the MiddleWeb blog argues against undue reliance on the concept of individual learning styles as a guide to instruction. Tips for using TwitterAn article on the Edutopia blog offers suggestions to teachers on how to use the Twitter microblogging site. Follow Curriculum and Leadership Journal on TwitterFor news updates between editions of the journal, follow Curriculum and Leadership Journal on Twitter. |