What's newNational Languages Summit: Languages in CrisisThe National Languages Summit: Languages in Crisis will be held at the National Press Club, Canberra on 7 June, 2007. New research will be launched, and speakers include Michael Worton, University College London. Email or phone (02) 6125 1058 for further details. Teacher effectiveness studyA study by ANU economist Andrew Leigh has examined the effectiveness of teachers in raising students’ test scores in literacy and numeracy. The study examines the results of more than 90,000 students with more than 10,000 teachers in Years 3, 5 and 7 between 2001 and 2004. See commentary in The Australian 21 May 2007. More funding to support school leadership development in New ZealandThe Aspiring Principals Pilot study in New Zealand will be used to plan the recruitment and career development of principals. See media release 24 May, 2007 by New Zealand Education Minister Steve Maharey. Changes to NCEA announced in New ZealandNew Zealand's Minister of Education, Steve Maharey, has announced changes to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) system at a joint briefing with the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). See Minister's media statement 29 May 2007. Funding boost for New Zealand early childhood educationNew Zealand Education Minister Steve Maharey has announced new funding for early childhood education centres across the country, to help more teaching staff improve their qualifications. See Minister's media statement 30 May, 2007. National School Chaplaincy ProgrammeMany schools have requested Australian Government funding for the appointment of chaplains under the National School Chaplaincy Programme. A total of 1503 applications for first-round funding have been received, representing 15% of all Australian schools. See announcement by Australian Government Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, 30 May, 2007. For background information, including references to earlier controversy over the program, see What's new item 6 November, 2006 and article abstract 30 June, 2006 in Curriculum Leadership. Roundtable discussion on maths, science teaching in VictoriaA roundtable discussion about the teaching of maths and science has been held in Victoria. The gathering, which brought together experts from business, academia and industry, examined the teaching of maths and science in schools and how it could best be tailored to industry and research. See media release 30 May, 2007 by Victorian Education Minister John Lenders. See also report in The Australian 31 May, 2007. Compulsory community service program introduced in Western AustraliaEvery Western Australian student must now complete 20 hours of community service to graduate from high school. The Year 12 graduating class of 2009 will be the first to complete at least 20 hours community service as a condition of their WA Certificate of Education (WACE). See media statement by State Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan, 27 May 2007. |