Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 51 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

to both government and non-government schooling. Our initiatives such as literacy and numeracy assessment and extended school-based management will continue to maintain and to enhance the quality of government schools. These and similar measures demonstrate the strength of the Government's determination to ensure that government schools remain strong and attractive to parents.

At the same time, the Government is strongly committed to maintaining high standards in the non-government sector, and the school registration process is critical to our success in doing this. Mr Speaker, the registration process provides a safeguard for students and an assurance for parents regarding the quality and viability of schools. Registration requirements, based on legislation, are extensive and exacting. They have the full support of the non-government sector.

The speculation I spoke of earlier about the impact of the abolition of the new schools policy by the Commonwealth has created a situation which places greater significance on territorial processes. The Commonwealth still requires new schools to be registered by the ACT Government, as in all other jurisdictions. Only registered schools which are non-profit incorporated bodies will be eligible for Commonwealth and Territory funding. From the Territory's point of view, there is a need to ensure that the process remains relevant and effective. We must maintain standards whilst taking the new situation into account.

To this end I am pleased to announce, Mr Speaker, that the Government has decided to review school registration guidelines for new non-government schools and amendments to registration requirements for existing schools. The draft guidelines will be circulated in term one this year to all key stakeholders and peak organisations in both the government and non-government sectors, including both ministerial advisory bodies. A copy will also be made available to members of this Assembly. The consultation period will close at the end of term 2. Consultation comments will be considered and the views of the ministerial council sought again before the guidelines are finalised for implementation during 1998.

Mr Speaker, the intent of the review is to examine what needs to be done to ensure that the current high standards and safeguards now required of registered schools will remain in place. The current registration process includes provision for up to two years' notice of intention to seek registration of a new school. This registration process also includes assessing the following aspects of the school's operations: Quality education programs; curriculum development; student assessment and reporting; safety, health and welfare of students and staff; staff qualifications and professional development; library facilities; educational equipment; buildings and facilities; and school review processes.

Under the current registration arrangements a key principle in assessing an educational program is transportability. Mr Speaker, transportability implies that a student can transfer at level from one school to another without significant disadvantage. Similarly, it implies that a student can proceed to further education or enter the work force from any school in the ACT without significant disadvantage. Transportability requires schools to offer a full curriculum, that the teaching staff are alert to developments in their subject areas, and that they maintain both the curriculum and their teaching methods under continual review. This important principle must be retained.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .