Page 2618 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 August 2019
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Advanced Technology and Space Industries) (2.51): Pursuant to standing order 211, I move:
That the Assembly take note of the following paper:
Future of Education—Implementation plan.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra—Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Women) (2.51): In February this year I gave the Assembly an update on how the ACT government is implementing the future of education strategy. At that time, I foreshadowed the release of the first implementation plan, which I am pleased to share with you today. The future of education strategy sets out the ACT government’s commitment to delivering the best possible education for Canberra’s students, empowering teachers and learning professionals to thrive and work with school communities to ensure the best possible outcome for families.
This first implementation plan leads the ACT education system towards this long-term vision through a cohesive portfolio of work for the next 18 months, with clear actions and commitments. This first plan is focused on building the capability of the education sector at large and directs activity within the government sector.
Non-government schools will engage in their own way, including through agreed cross-sectoral activity relating to actions under the national schools reform agreement. This first plan presents six priorities which give shape to the commitments made within the strategy. It lays out the government’s actions—clear, tangible actions and activities—that respond to the extensive community consultation that shaped the future of education strategy in the first place.
The plan is also informed by robust research and evidence of what is needed to provide every child with a great education, which was also expressed in the future of education research report. The six priorities in the government’s implementation plan are set within the future of education strategy’s four foundations: to place students at the centre of their learning; empower teachers, school leaders and other professionals to meet the learning needs of all students; build strong communities for learning; and strengthen systems to focus on equality and equity with quality.
I turn first to priority 1, strengthening inclusive education. The ACT government’s first priority of strengthening inclusive education speaks to the very core of the strategy, which is an acknowledgement of human diversity among students. Every student has a right to a great education, irrespective of their circumstances. Every student has the right to feel welcome, respected, supported and valued.
The government is clearly committed to inclusive education. Through the initiatives outlined with this implementation plan, the government is ensuring that the right programs, services and solutions are in place to respond to the individual needs of each and every student at the point when they need it.
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