Page 2696 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 15 August 2017
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In 2016 the government implemented a more rigorous school review process based on the nine domains of the national school improvement tool. In order to establish the strongest possible implementation of this process, the Education Directorate commissioned trained experts from the Australian Council for Educational Research as external review panel chairs. Each panel also includes one principal and an external expert. The new school review approach enables closer interrogation of each school’s evidence against each of its priorities and, importantly, enables an explicit examination of each school’s overall performance based on system data.
This government is committed to further enhancing the ACT public school system. As members are aware, in February 2017 I made a statement in the Assembly emphasising the core value of equity in the ACT school and early childhood education and care systems and the benefits that accrue when equity is achieved.
The government’s future of education consultations will shape a clear vision for the future of ACT education for the years ahead. We are consulting broadly and deeply with the ACT community, students, parents and carers, educators, education leaders and community leaders from different fields. We are bringing different perspectives to the issues facing students and helping to guide the government’s pursuit of greater equity in a high performing education system.
The response to date has been very encouraging and the findings will inform the future of education strategy expected to be released in 2018. The direction for education will address multiple aspects under one strategy which reflects extensive community engagement throughout all stages of its development. Developing a strategy for the future of education will be underpinned by strong, rich, sustained conversations with the ACT community.
Parents and carers must be confident that their own financial or social circumstances will not significantly affect or restrict the quality of the education available to their children. Through the conversation, we will explore local factors that enhance or hinder a successful education experience being accessible to and successful for all children and young people. Achieving a thriving and inclusive education community where no-one is excluded because of their background, culture, gender, class, religion, sexuality, wealth or ability is vital, and everyone benefits when we achieve this equity.
As Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, I am committed to an equal chance for every child to have a great education and be prepared for a bright future, regardless of their circumstances, characteristics or background. Over the coming year I want to take our education system even further and use these conversations with the community to build on the lessons that we have learned from the Auditor-General’s audit of performance information. I look forward to updating members on the implementation of this in the coming months.
Paper
Mr Gentleman presented the following paper:
Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme—Update on the ACT Government response—Quarterly report—1 April to 30 June 2017.
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