Page 3034 - Week 08 - Thursday, 16 August 2018
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The government will also look more closely at transition processes and learning pathways from early childhood education through primary, secondary and senior secondary schools to work or further study. This will, of course, involve the Board of Senior Secondary Studies and the vital work that they do. Importantly, the government will continue to prioritise student wellbeing so that, where possible, barriers to learning and development like physical and mental health or social factors are minimised or removed.
The future of education in the ACT relies on increasingly investing in and empowering learning professionals. Teachers and school leaders, together with a team of people, including other educators, allied learning professionals and support staff, make education happen every day. After personal factors related to a child, teachers are the single most significant factor in student achievement. School leaders have a vital role in this by supporting and mentoring their colleagues and guiding schools to be happy, productive environments.
Working alongside teachers and school leaders are people providing health, wellbeing and administrative services who are equally committed to student outcomes. Meeting student needs requires schools to collaborate with families, community and human service providers. Through this, schools become inclusive learning communities for all children and young people.
The strategy begins with an awareness that teachers and school leaders are expert professionals highly skilled at working with their students to lead them through their learning journey. As the strategy is implemented, initiatives based on this foundation will include the design of a workforce plan to increase diversity and expertise in the school workforce and strengthened internship models for new teachers.
It is vital that the right people enter the teaching profession, that initial teacher education meets contemporary needs and delivers classroom ready graduates and that new teachers are supported through their journey into the profession. There is an opportunity for an expanded role for the ACT Teacher Quality Institute in this area, building on its work on ensuring high quality professional experience and practicum for student teachers.
Equally, investment in professional learning and mentoring and coaching, and the sharing of effective practice, will continue and expand. These elements are essential to the strategy. For example, the government will grow its partnership with the University of Canberra. This work is supporting teachers to grow their knowledge and skill in key areas such as facilitating learning in general capabilities, personalising learning and working with data to make sure that their teaching is having an impact.
The government will take a more structured approach to strengthening instructional leadership and making sure the right people progress into school leadership roles. Better professional and wellbeing support for school leaders and principals will enhance their ability to deliver school improvement and ensure a focus on quality teaching in every classroom.
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