Page 1854 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 May 2010
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This was something that came out during the Assembly’s achievement gap inquiry, particularly by Dr Ainley. It was noted that when you look at particular levels or numbers of class sizes, in some instances it does not have as much of an impact as quality teaching has. The minister agreed on this point. Obviously, there are several factors which affect teaching and achievement in schools.
One of the committee’s recommendations was that the impact of reducing average class sizes on student learning outcomes be reported on in future Department of Education and Training annual reports. It will be interesting to see what impact reducing class sizes has on educational outcomes, given that we heard different evidence through the inquiry process about what impact it actually has.
The SMS notification system has been discussed, I think, in this chamber and in the media. The committee was interested in receiving feedback on what impact the introduction of the system has had on absenteeism. The minister advised that most parents have been positive about the system. Obviously, not all parents have mobile phones so not everyone will necessarily benefit from the system. The committee was interested in whether the system had resulted in a reduction of student absenteeism. We were advised that the statistics on this were not available but they would most likely be available on completion of the next annual report. The committee will be interested in getting an update and seeing what impact this has had.
The committee recommended that the department look at how parents without mobile phones can achieve the same level of prompt awareness of student absences as those parents with mobile phones. We recognise that this is a difficult thing to do, but it is worthwhile looking at because not everyone is going to benefit from the SMS system. The committee also recommended that the department provide the data, which they have indicated they will have, on the effectiveness of the notification system in the next annual report. We will look forward to seeing that, hopefully—if that data is available.
The University of Canberra appeared before the committee. This was the first time the UC had been invited to be part of annual reports hearings. It was very interesting to hear about some of the programs which they offer. One program in particular that we discussed was the gap year plus program, which gives students credit for experience gained during the gap year. Having a gap year has become more prevalent in the Australian university system and it was very interesting to see that they are offering a program where students can achieve credit for work that they do during the gap year. It is a really good example of using innovative ways to encourage students to return to tertiary education. I think it adds to the appeal of the ACT being a destination for international students and students from other parts of Australia. We commend the University of Canberra on that program which they offer.
One of the other areas that was looked at, and this was in relation to the children and youth portfolio, was the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. There were a number of discussions about the new facility—what sorts of programs are offered to young people there. The committee made a recommendation that the Office for Children, Youth and Family Support investigate, in consultation with staff at the Bimberi Youth
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