Page 3237 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 18 August 2009
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the end of 2010. The structure and nature of this curriculum framework allows non-government schools to tailor a wide range of teaching strategies to the culture and ethos of their schools. There is no doubt that the diversity of ACT schools is one of the key strengths of our education system. It provides parents and students with greater choice.
I turn now to transparency national testing and the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. With more transparency and better reporting of student and school results through the national assessment program for literacy and numeracy, NAPLAN, and the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, ACARA, through its website, parents and students will be able to make more informed decisions. This information will let students and parents know where they stand in relation to their peers and in relation to their schools. Just as every student knows whether he or she can swim 100 metres or can kick a goal, students will know where they stand in maths and English. They will know whether it is spelling or grammar that they need to focus on, and parents will be able to help their sons or daughters improve. Whilst the non-government school sector remains fully independent, all schools in the ACT will be working together on these important reforms.
My second aspiration for the non-government school sector is fair funding. The ACT government funding of Catholic and independent schools is at a record high. Since being elected, the Stanhope Labor government has increased funding support for non-government schools by over 35 per cent. To give a practical example of this fair funding, the government has created a $4 million non-government school equity fund. This 2009-10 budget initiative will increase funding for students with special education needs in non-government schools. It is worth noting again that the Liberal opposition voted against this initiative in the recent territory budget. They voted against giving more funding to students in non-government schools. They voted against supporting students who have learning needs and students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The government has also delivered $2.1 million to provide all parent groups and associations in both government and non-government schools with a one-off grant of $15,000 and grants of $1,500 for preschool parent associations. This initiative has given all school communities autonomy and independence, and it has inspired innovative solutions and programs in our schools. Some $2.5 million has also been invested to further increase information and communication technology in non-government primary schools. All ACT non-government schools with primary students will receive at least $5,000 per school under this scheme and will be able to purchase a range of new ICT; for example, new smart boards and computers. That is fair funding and full independence for the non-government sector, but, most importantly, everyone learns.
I would like to thank the Non-Government Schools Education Council for their advice. They are busy doing some big-picture thinking about their strategic plan for the next three years. I look forward to hearing about these plans. As the minister for all schools and all students, I want to assist ACT schools to provide the best possible education for all ACT children. I look forward to working with all principals, teachers, parents, students and the community to achieve this vision.
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