Do you AC what I see?

Annie Facchinetti

A long, long time ago, in some offices far, far away, a group of Ministers had a dream – a dream for a unified national curriculum. A dream that seemed like it might actually come to fruition if only the needs of parents, teachers, education systems, political influences, interest groups and market forces could be seamlessly integrated into a cohesive framework with the betterment of our students at its heart. Yet now, as we upgrade from Australian Curriculum Version 7.5 to Version 8.3, it has become evident that a unified national education agenda is still more dream than reality.

Faced with the prodigious task of reconciling pedagogical and indeed human imperatives with those of often competing political and national interests, the architects of the Australian Curriculum (AC) produced a document that should theoretically have brought consistency of learning entitlement for all students across the country (Australian Government Department of Education, 2014; Briant, Doherty, 2012). Many educators would, however, be unaware of the range of forces that were, and still are, being brought to bear on the AC, that has ultimately led to questions about its effectiveness (Australian Government Department of Education, 2014; Ditchburn,2012; Rahman, 2013; Torii, O’Connell, 2017). Read More

Child Safety data shows ice an ongoing problem for QLD families

New Child Safety data released by the QLD State Government shows the number of children in need of protection because of ice use by parents has risen.

While most referrals came from family, friends, neighbours, Police and Health providers, a smaller number of referrals came from schools. Read More

Listening to the indigenous voice in education

ACER releases the Australian Education Review, which suggests that evidence-based research and evaluation programs, with the full participation of Indigenous people, from the national level down to the school, is necessary to successfully address the complex educational disadvantage of Indigenous Australians.

The Indigenous voice has not changed but is not properly heard. Read More

Teachers: satisfied but stressed

The ASG-ACE Teachers Report Card reveals that 21 per cent have considered leaving the profession in the past three months. However 96% find their job very rewarding and 91% are very satisfied with their chosen profession according to new research.

The report is a joint initiative between ASG and the Australian College of Educators (ACE) and surveyed 380 teachers. ACE is a professional association that represents teachers across all sectors and systems.

As far as standardised testing (e.g. NAPLAN) is concerned, the report showed 49 per cent of educators believe there is too much, while 48 per cent believe the amount is about right. Three per cent of educators surveyed believe there is not enough. Read More

Failing to address the needs of gifted children

Gifted students are the most neglected in Australia’s education system because teachers are not being given the training they need to meet these students’ special needs, according to a UNSW expert in gifted education Dr Jae Jung.

Hosted by UNSW School of Education, the state of gifted education in Australia will be discussed during the 22nd Biennial World Conference of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children at UNSW from 20-23 July. Read More

LoRa schools internet challenge for Tassie students

The Tas government is inviting students to come up with the best new idea of how a statewide Internet of Things (IoT) could improve lives, incorporating the LoRa WAN wireless network currently being piloted in Launceston.

The IoT is the connection of devices embedded in everyday objects enabling them to send and receive data via the internet, and it is a growing reality in life with cars and medical devices becoming increasingly connected. Read More

First of 10 tech schools in VIC scheduled for completion next year

A new technology focused learning centre is planned for Victoria University’s Werribee Campus, for students across Wyndham to access throughout their secondary school education. When finished, the Wyndham Tech School will be one of 10 new Tech Schools planned for Victoria.

Tech Schools use equipment such as 3D printers, audio visual platforms, robotics and virtual reality, to deliver advanced education in STEM. Read More

Gonski seven-member review panel announced

Commonwealth Minister for Education Simon Birmingham has announced a panel of experts that will lead an inquiry into ensuring that the new investment in schools boosts the results of students. The Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools will be led by David Gonski, with seven educators and policy experts contributing. Read More