What's newEmerging Technologies, Evolving Pedagogies - ConferenceAt this conference, Dr John Hedberg will explore 'disruptive technologies' in the context of VELS, while other speakers will discuss case studies and examples of how new technologies are being used to effect pedagogical change. Hosted by SLAV and Curriculum Corporation, the conference will be held at Melbourne Park Function Centre, Swan Street on 15 June 2007. Email or phone (03) 9207 9600. See also article by Dr John Hedberg in Curriculum Leadership Journal, 27 April 2007. Queensland budget boosts school educationIn its recent budget, the Queensland Government has provided more than $500 million to modernise and build schools and training facilities. The funding provides for more teachers, and high quality and numeracy programs in State schools. Other measures include $70 million over the next four years to provide every teacher in a Queensland State school with a laptop computer, and $10 million over four years to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of Indigenous students. See announcements 5 June 2007 by State Education and Training Minister Rod Welford. See also commentary in The Australian 6 June 2007. Rural pre-service database, QueenslandThe PCAP Pre-Service Forum has announced a new database which allows rural and remote communities in Queensland to list offers of financial or social support available for pre-service teaching practicums. (See article in SPERA Newsletter May 2007.) New SACE trial in South AustraliaSouth Australian Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has invited Government, Catholic and Independent schools to apply to become one of 42 initial schools that will to pilot key elements of the new South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Principals, staff, students and local communities from the selected schools will test the new Personal Learning Plan and approaches to improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills. The Personal Learning Plan will be a compulsory Year 10 subject that requires every student to plan their final two years of school and beyond, including preparation for further education, training and work. Staff from the future SACE Office will help schools run the pilots and their findings will help to shape the first stage of the new SACE. The first pilot studies, to be conducted over the next six months, will be followed next year by a State-wide pilot program involving every South Australian school with Year 10 to 12 students. The new SACE will begin in 2009 when the current Year 8 students are in Year 10. The new certificate will include compulsory subjects, a broader range of choices for students and agreed performance standards that students will need to achieve to gain the certificate. See Minister's media statement 5 June 2007. Children the focus of education reform in South Australian budgetThe recently announced South Australian budget provides for new schools, new children’s centres and ‘school to work’ reforms to create trade schools. The budget redirects $25 million of funding from the Central Office of the Department of Education and Children's Services. See Minister's media statement 1 June 2007. Dr Paul Kilvert to head SSABSASouth Australian Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has welcomed the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia’s decision to appoint a leading Australian educator, Dr Paul Kilvert, as Chief Executive. Dr Kilvert will work with all school and tertiary sectors to oversee the introduction of the State Government’s planned reforms to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). See Minister's media statement 5 June 2007. 'Tertiary taste' sessions for students with disabilities in QueenslandRecent 'tertiary taste' sessions have provided orientation support to help Queensland students with disabilities make the transition from high school. The sessions were developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), USQ Springfield and Bremer TAFE. See UQ media release, 4 June 2007. Top Indigenous students to explore global warmingFour top Indigenous students will join the 34th Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS): ecoscience to explore global warming. Indigenous science students are encouraged to attend the ISS as part of the Indigenous Scholars Program. See article in the National Indigenous Times, 31 May 2007. Australia provides $40 million for education in low-income countriesUnder the new Better Education policy, AUSAid has announced an additional $40 million to help low-income countries provide universal primary education by 2015. The $40 million will be administered by the World Bank through the Education for All - Fast Track Initiative. See media release, 31 May 2007. |