School Education Headlines

Students in low performing schools have the most to gain from publicly reporting their results, with a report by the Centre for Independent Studies arguing this is one of a suite of reforms required to improve education. Research fellow Jennifer Buckingham says that arguments against so-called league tables protect schools at the expense of students and parents. The Australian, 20 November 2008.

Results from a new US study show that teens are developing important social and technical skills online. The research reports that 'spending time online is essential for young people to pick up the social and technical skills they need to be competent citizens in the digital age.' Docuticker, 20 November 2008.

edna's Australian Schools Calendar 2009 is now available in Word format. The printed version of the Calendar will be mailed to Schools in January 2009.

Five software companies are vying for the $60.5 million Victorian Ultranet project. The Ultranet intends to enhance student learning, support the work of teachers and allow parents to become even more involved with their child's education at the click of a button. Premier of Victoria, 14 November 2008.

The New South Wales Government is hoping to encourage more students to stay on to Year 12 by expanding a program that helps primary school pupils make the transition to high school. More than $11 million is being spent to allow every secondary and central school in the state orientation programs and 'taster' classes for children making the leap from Year 6. ABC News, 17 November 2008.

A new report says that a quarter of 12 to 20 year olds have seen an act of physical violence between their parents or step-parents. Dr Michael Flood, co-author of the report, said children exposed to violence often experience behavioural and emotional difficulties, and suggested school based educational programs about domestic abuse could prevent problems. WA Today, 17 November 2008.

Anyone who photographs children will need the permission of the parents before the pictures can be exhibited. The ruling is included in sweeping guidelines released by the Australia Council yesterday designed to protect children in the aftermath of the Bill Henson controversy. Sydney Morning Herald, 14 November 2008.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has welcomed the response to Round One of the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program, with a total of 136 applications received from schools around the country. Expressions of Interest for Round Two are now open.Minister for Education, 8 November 2008.

Public education in NSW is headed for a crisis as skyrocketing birth rates look set to clash with teacher retirement figures. Sydney Morning Herald, 9 November 2008.

A new report has found sexual assault between school students is being ignored. The Australian Institute of Family Studies report says school children are often reluctant to report sexual assault from other students because they fear the social consequences. ABC News, 10 November 2008.

Australia's emergency services ministers have agreed to establish an internet database, hosted by the Australian Disaster Information Network, which will enable the states and territories to easily share knowledge about community emergency education programs. Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed the decision stating 'When developed the site will be an excellent resource for teachers, students and parents.' Attorney-General for Australia, 6 November 2008.

Seventeen Government schools on the New South Wales far south coast are combining to form a learning community, in what is being described as a revolutionary education program. Coordinator Paul Morris says schools will be able to network using video conferencing and interactive whiteboards, allowing students and teachers to pool their collective knowledge. ABC News, 6 November 2008.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced that all Australian schools and parent associations will soon receive a copy of the Family School Partnerships Framework. The Family School Partnerships Framework will help schools build effective partnerships with families and their communities. Australian Labor Party, 5 November 2008.

Principals, school and kindergarten teachers and staff across Victoria are being encouraged to highlight their commitment to education excellence and innovation by nominating for the 2009 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. Premier of Victoria, 3 November 2008.

Primary school students are neglected in education funding, as extra resources are being directed to infants and high school students while the primary years receive less funding than any other school year. Professor Angus, from Edith Cowan University in Perth, said that Australia's spending on Years 3 to 6 was among the lowest of the OECD countries. The Australian, 1 November 2008.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has congratulated Tasmania for being the first place in the country to release data ranking individual schools' performance. Ms Gillard says it is a brave move and she will be encouraging other states and territories to follow. ABC News, 31 October 2008.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has paid tribute to teachers as school students, parents and communities from across Australia prepare to celebrate World Teachers' Day. The day was celebrated internationally on 5 October, but due to the timing of school holidays Australia celebrates the work of teachers on 31 October. Australian Labor Party, 30 October 2008.

A mentoring program for beginning teachers is to be expanded after a successful statewide trial. Queensland Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the Different People Working Together Pilot involving 70 mentoring pairs would be increased to 100 next year. Queensland Minister for Education and Training, 30 October 2008.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP has announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled technical tradespeople in Australia. Starting with the 2009 school year, Defence will offer up to 1500 Defence Technical Scholarships to students entering Years 11 and 12, who want to pursue a technical trade career. Department of Defence, 29 October 2008.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland has launched a new web-based educational game aimed at teaching young Australians how to prepare and respond to emergencies and disasters. Attorney-General for Australia, 28 October 2008.