What's newChristchurch earthquakeThe New Zealand Ministry of Education is providing updates on the Christchurch earthquake. The web page includes links to incident fact sheets for schools and early childhood services that contain tips on supporting toddlers, children, young people and adults. Schools Assistance Bill introduced to parliamentAustralia's School Education Minister Peter Garrett has introduced the Schools Assistance Amendment (Financial Assistance) Bill 2011 into parliament. The amendment will 'extend existing funding arrangements until the end of 2013, and for capital funding to the end of 2014, for non-government schools. This will enable Catholic and independent schools to transition smoothly to any new funding arrangements the government implements in response to the Review of School Funding'. See minister's statement 23 February 2011. New social networking tool for teachers and studentsDiipo is a new social networking tool designed to create new connections between teachers and students. See report in THE Journal 22 February 2011. New Queensland kindergarten services fast-tracked to open in 2012The Queensland Government has brought forward the construction of 28 kindergarten services, to be co-located at state schools. The kindergartens were previously planned for construction in 2013–2014. See ministerial statement 17 February 2011. Teaching and learning about the Middle East political upsurgeThe New York Times Learning Network blog has published a feature (22 February 2011) suggesting ways in which teachers might cover the mass upsurge currently taking place throughout the Middle East. Wisconsin teachers continue intense industrial campaignTeachers in Wisconsin are continuing an intense campaign against proposed budget measured that would reduce the rights and benefits of state workers. Protests are also occuring in other US states including Ohio. See statements from the Wisconsin Education Association Council. See also report 24 February and commentary 22 February in Education Week, article in the New York Times 22 February, and article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 22 February 2011. NZ secondary principals collective agreement ratifiedNew Zealand Education Minister Anne Tolley has welcomed the decision by school principals to ratify the 2011–2013 Secondary Principals' Collective Agreement (SPCA). The decision follows pay settlements for primary teachers and primary principals. The SPCA covers principals in all state and state-integrated secondary schools. See minister's statement 21 February 2011. See also statement from the Post Primary Teachers' Association, also 21 February 2011. |