What's newAITSL self-assessment tool trialAITSL has launched a Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), an online questionnaire enabling teachers at all career stages to reflect upon their practice in accordance with the National Professional Standards for Teachers. AITSL and key education partners are seeking educators Australia-wide to trial the items for the SAT. The trial closes 2 November. Idea12: Beyond Connectivity: Making it happen for learnersThe Idea conferences focus on current and emerging technologies that support learning across Australia's education and training system. The Idea 12 conference will be looking at assessment, identity, new models for content, cloud computing, and bring your own devices (BYOD). Idea 12 features international and local speakers including Professor Erik Duval (Catholic University Leuven, Belgium), Ramona Pierson (Pierson Learning) and Vijay Kumar (MIT). It is suitable for teachers and education leaders, CIOs, technologists, policy makers, and providers of technology to education. It will be held on Tuesday 4 December to Thursday 6 December 2012 at the Sofitel Melbourne. See www.idea.edu.au for more information. New discussion paper on numeracy and literacy in South AustraliaThe South Australian Government has launched a discussion paper, Numeracy and Literacy Strategy – Birth to 18, to allow parents, teachers and students to share their views on how to better support learning in these areas. See also article 17 October 2012 in The Advertiser. Lifesavers want compulsory swim lessons in schoolsRoyal Life Saving has launched a petition calling for swimming lessons to be made compulsory in primary schools. See also report on ABC News and article in The Canberra Times both 23 October 2012. Scholarships in Victoria to help students at risk of homelessnessOver 100 students have been granted assistance under the Victorian Government's Student Scholarship program. The students, nominated by schools, were identified as living in public or social housing, or at risk of homelessness. Smart and Skilled vocational training reform introduced in New South WalesSmart and Skilled is a reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training System. It will give people the chance to gain the skills they need to get a job and advance their careers. It will expand the skills of our workforce to meet future demand for jobs. See article in The Sydney Morning Herald 24 October 2012. South Australian schools introduce early lunchtimes to reduce disruptive student behaviourSouth Australian schools are introducing longer morning breaks, and setting lunch at 11am, as a means to reduce disruptive behaviour. See article in The Advertiser 20 October 2012. Follow CL journal on TwitterFor news updates between editions of the journal follow Curriculum Leadership on Twitter. |