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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 04 Hansard (Tuesday, 30 March 2004) . . Page.. 1318 ..

Principals and teachers must deliver to students, parents and the community—

Basic expectations that should be met by principals and teachers are as follows:

(a) professional behaviour, including being a responsible role model for students; and

(b) assistance in the character development of all students, including in relation to values and respect for and tolerance of others; and

(c) the successful completion of annual personal and professional development programs; and

(d) assistance in the pastoral care of students, where appropriate and possible; and

(e) a neutral political position in all aspects of their professional behaviour.

That is when teaching and making decisions that relate to the teaching of students. In addition, the amendment to proposed new clause 21B, delegates responsibility, if approved by the school board and the chief executive, of staff recruitment and dismissal to the principal of that particular school. The principal of the school would know best whether their teachers are performing, meeting agreed outcomes and meeting the expectations of students, parents and the community. This principle goes to the heart of good schooling. We believe it is important that principals are given the funding controls for teacher and staff expenditure.

I point out to my colleagues here today that, on radio national this morning, we heard the federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Nelson, congratulating the Victorian Labor Minister for Education and Training for trialling a concept in his state of a principal being able to hire and fire his teachers. The Labor state government in South Australia is also running a trial because it is very interested in the concept of principals being able to hire and fire their own teachers. It is beginning to see that the concept may be worth while. A school principal who is so empowered would be able to lift education standards. The Liberal opposition believes it is time that these decisions were given back to the principals.

Finally, the amendment to proposed new clause 21C addresses the need for regular and effective development and appraisal of teachers. It states:

(1) The chief executive must ensure that—

(a) each principal and teacher employed at a government school—

(ii) undertakes at least 1 personal development program and 1 professional development program each year; and

(b) a program for the career progression of teachers is developed and implemented and that the program is reviewed yearly.

(2) The chief executive must also ensure that a mentoring program is established for the following teachers employed at a government school:

(c) a teacher who is in his or her 1st year of employment as a teacher;

(d) a teacher who is employed after an extended break from teaching.

… … …

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