SOUTH WALES SCHOOLS

N F Greiner MP announced the launch of a "comprehensive review" of the Education and Public Instruction Act 1987. From its formation in mid-September 1988 to the end of August 1989 - eleven and a half months - the committee organized a series of activities designed to consult widely with educational stakeholders. groups and community.

Discussion Paper

The Committee also had at its disposal over 360 reports and other relevant documents, some provided by members, some provided by interstate educational authorities, some derived from literature searches and others specially prepared by the "Committee secretariat".

Responses to Discussion Paper

Public Hearings

Meetings with Organisations and Individuals

Following the May 1-3 meetings, the Chair, accompanied by the Executive Director or Senior Research Officer, discussed with representatives of the 9 organizations or groups based on their contributions (see Appendix F).

Visits to Schools in Sydney

Country Visits/Public Meetings

Interstate Visits

Information from Overseas

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND TRENDS IN EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL LEGISLATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND PAST REVIEWS OF EDUCATION

The Public Schools Act, 1866
Public Instruction Act, 1880
The 1912 Acts The University Amendment Act and The Bursary Endowment Act
Public Instruction Act, 1916
The Education Act 1961
Subsequent Reports on Education in NSW
Commonwealth Reports
Some General Themes

OVERSEAS AND AUSTRALIAN TRENDS IN EDUCATION

A New Interest in the Quality of schooling
Quality of Education in Australia
The Role of the Curriculum in Improving the Quality of Education
Curriculum Trends in Australia
Teachers and Quality - Some Overseas Trends
Teachers and Quality — Australian Trends
School Organisation and Quality — Some Overseas Trends
Some Australian Trends in School Organisation

Barcan describes this tradition as the humanist-realist curriculum. (9) The school curriculum in the early years of the colony was a compromise between the tradition of liberal education and the demands of a pioneer community for a practical and utilitarian curriculum. In Western Australia's Better Schools proposal, a decision-making process has been established at two levels of management - the school and the Department's central administration.

THE NATURE OF EDUCATION

THE PURPOSES OF SCHOOLING: THE CHILD, EDUCATION FOR THE WHOLE OF LIFE

The Purposes of Education
Education for the Whole of Life
Purposes of Schooling
Summary

STRUCTURES FOR SCHOOLS

The Nature of Learning
Implications for the Nature of Schooling
The Structure of Schooling
The Structure of Curriculum
Early Childhood Education

б Post-Compulsory Education

Secondary Colleges
Post-Compulsory Credentialling
Teacher education institutions place greater emphasis in their courses upon giving teachers the skills to plan and provide, within appropriate group contexts, the
Syllabuses be structured, not so much upon years and hours of study, but upon the content, skills and attitudes to be learnt and the experiences to be achieved
Student progression through curriculum structures be based upon successful achievement of syllabus objectives and experiences
Schools and school systems ensure that all students are challenged and extended to reach the highest possible goals
As funds become available, a program be introduced to extend pre-school opportunities
There be articulation of these courses with further specialised courses in TAFE so that secondary students gain credit in TAFE courses

The more a learning situation is related to the individual student's readiness, background, and learning style, the more likely it is to be effective. Curricula should facilitate individual student progression in the context of essential peer interaction and social growth.

CHANGES IN SOCIETY AFFECTING EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION
DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS
CHANGES TO SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The Committee's Approach

OTHER CHANGES IN SOCIETY .1 Aboriginal Australians

The Growing Multicultural Nature of Australian Society
Students of Non-English Speaking Background

CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY .1 Employment

Vocational Opportunities

ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PERSONAL RESOURCES AND VALUES
CHANGES IN COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS OF THE SCHOOL

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Part of the reason for this trend is the greater participation of women in the workforce. Recent growth in the service sectors of the Australian economy include the tourism industry, computing and information, communications, leisure and social and education services. For example, governments in the United States and the United Kingdom have recently undertaken major investigations into education.'").

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

TERMS OF REFERENCE
THE PREMIER'S STATEMENT
PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE ENROLMENTS TO 1995
A STUDY OF RESOURCES

Enrolments
Teachers
Resource Profile of Two Decades
Dissection of Total Expenditure

AVAILABLE GOVERNMENT FINANCES
COMMONWEALTH/STATE RELATIONS
OUTCOMES

The following table shows a breakdown of estimated expenditure for the 1988/89 financial year as submitted by the NSW Department of Education. The sale of fixed assets (eg the Bridge Street building and other properties) will bring significant income, but only as a one-off factor. The educational objectives and the nature of the curriculum are matters within the authority of the Board.

Figure 5.1 Total Funding Per Student In NSW Government Schools

THE PARENTAL ROLE IN EDUCATION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF

EARLY CHILDHOOD

PARENTAL ROLE IN CHILDREN'S LEARNING
THE PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Recommendations It is recommended that

Programs which provide information about child development and parenting skills be initiated, actively promoted and made available to all parents
Special programs which provide support to parents with young children be established at the pre-school and school level to promote regular interaction
Regular public seminars on early childhood be conducted and involve all levels of government, professions, voluntary agencies and P & C Associations; public
Through appropriate programs in secondary schools, students be trained to appreciate the importance and the basic principles of parenting
An expertly designed high quality education program be included for all children in family day care, long day care and pre-school services
Increased numbers of early childhood teachers be trained and their training include knowledge and understanding of child development across its whole range
As funds permit, the number of pre-schools be gradually increased but priority be given to parenting and the 0 - 3 age group
An Early Childhood Education Unit (0 - 5 Years) be established in the Department of Education and an Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee be set up
A coordinating body for early childhood services be set up involving the Departments of Education, Health and Family and Community Services

THE PROVISION OF SCHOOLING

SCHOOLING IN NEW SOUTH WALES

With more women in the workforce, men are taking on more responsibility for childcare and early education. Its quality strongly influences the intellectual, social and emotional development of the child. In the interest of the individual, family, society and nation, there can be no higher priority than providing quality parenting and preschool education programs.

7.2 " REGISTØTION

Rationale for Registration

Registration in the Australian context is also seen as a need to sensitively reflect the pluralistic nature and cultural diversity of the community while operating within the broader framework of some shared values and attitudes, including the legitimacy of Australian social , legal and political framework.

History of Registration in NSW

Separation of Registration and Accreditation
Registration Authorities
Alternative Credentials
Registration of Government Schools

The question raised in the applications is whether government schools should be subject to the same registration requirements and procedures as non-government schools. 4 , As far as secondary schools are concerned, the requirements for the secondary school certificate are the same for government and non-government schools. Under the existing arrangement, the board has different sources of information about non-government schools compared to government schools.

Registration Criteria .1 Nature of Criteria

Criteria for Primary Schools
Criteria for Secondary Schools
Types of Criteria

Non-government schools see themselves as subject to a more demanding and sometimes unsympathetic analysis when inspected. The situation is complicated by complaints that monitoring tends to be a paper exercise and that inspectors show inconsistency in what they expect from non-government schools. School funding criteria are not used for registration in the current system, but there is a link between registration and ascertainment, with only registered non-government schools and their students attracting government funding.

Registration Procedures

It is argued by some that the process is too involved and that the time and resources of both the school and the inspector are wasted. There are also concerns that the process relies on "paper" evidence such as written programs and timetables with no guarantee that they accurately represent what happens in the classroom. Both the Australian Council of Education and the NSW Department of Education see a trial period of around 12 months as appropriate, rather than the б months specified in the 1987 Act.

Appeals Provisions

HOMESCHOOLING .1 Current Requirements

Issues in Homeschooling

The Inspectorate of the Department of Education assesses each home education application within these guidelines and has responsibility for ongoing monitoring. Some argued that these requirements were necessary to ensure the educational rights of the child, but other submissions said they were inappropriate in that they impeded curiosity-stimulated learning. The method of assessing the educational progress of children educated at home was another issue raised in submissions.

DISCIPLINE IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

The Committee's Approach

The Committee believes that the current law is inadequate to deal with a child who has been expelled from a government school and is not enrolled in any other school (government or non-government school). It believes that the Minister should set up an educational program for the rehabilitation of stubborn truants and children who have been expelled from school for misbehavior. Such program means that the Director-General, in consultation with the parents or guardians and with the relevant government authorities, considers a place in such program or organization available for such child for a mutually agreed period of time.

Recommendations

In the case of accreditation, where the Board has determined to accredit a school the Board's determination shall be final; in a case where there has been an appeal
In each school, for each of the compulsory years of schooling, there shall be courses of study in the Learning Areas of

If, after that specific period, a subsequent check shows that compliance is still not being observed, the agents will inform the board of this and the board can advise the minister to withdraw the registration of the school in the event of enrolment. Of the four, two will be representatives of government schools and two representatives of non-governmental schools; two representatives - from government schools nominated by the Director General; When advising the minister, the Board indicates the nature of the advice of the registration committee.

A Learning Area is a broad category within which are various possible subjects. Except as provided in Notes 2 and 3, schools are to have

Human Society and its Environment will incorporate a significant study of Australia

The Creative Arts must include a study of both Art and Music in the Years К-7

The Board of Studies will provide Syllabus Statements to give guidance as to the content, skills, attitudes and experiences to be included in each

The courses of study must be appropriate to the stage of development and potential of each student

RURAL SCHOOLING .1 Introduction

The Context
Students
Parents and the Wider Community
Recommendations

DISTANCE EDUCATION .1 Background

Decentralisation of Distance Education
Technology and Distance Education

SCHOOL CLOSURES

CLASS SIZES

Research Evidence
Recommendations

INTERSCHOOL MOVEMENTS

Furthermore, a distinction is made between:. a) the remote inland regions, generally corresponding to the administrative regions of the (d). In examining rural education by focusing on the different groups that make up the school community, the committee concludes that there are major concerns about:,. the opportunities for rural students for quality education; training, recruiting and retaining rural education teachers; the viability of rural schools; the opportunity for rural communities to participate in school decision-making. In particular, it is recommended that:. a) the annual staff operation is brought forward so that rural schools can be fully staffed, including all managerial positions, from the beginning of the school year;

CHILDREN OF MOBILE FAMILIES

Entry Age to Primary and Secondary Schools

However, school principals should be encouraged to consult with their staff about setting up panicWar groups of students well above and well below the limits to deal with specific teacher skills or student needs. It should be clear that permanent settlement of excessively large groups should not be considered, but flexibility for certain activities is encouraged. 7hе School Principal has flexibility in organizing class sizes to suit teachers' talents, students' learning needs, and curriculum requirements.

Different Curriculum Standards

Differences in Year 12 Certification

Notification to Schools of Transfers

Transfer of Student Record Cards

The Committee's Approach

Recommendations

PARENT PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOLS .1 Parent Bodies

Wider Participation
School Councils in Government Schools

Functions
Funds
The Department of Education undertake a program of development of School Councils on a voluntary basis in all regions. The program should incorporate
The Department develop and publicise a detailed rationale for the establishment of School Councils, outlining their benefits in the following terms
The Department carry out an annual review of the program of development of School Councils referred to in 7.12.5.5 above and that a public report on the
The new Act provide that a School Council may be disbanded by the Minister if in the Minister's opinion, it is inefficient
The Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW Incorporation Act (1976) be amended to provide for the incorporation of individual affiliated

To encourage the introduction of school councils as a positive means of promoting:. a) the growth of much closer links between schools and their communities, and (b) decentralization of decision-making in education;. The Ministry of Education should implement a program for the development of school councils on a voluntary basis in all regions. In consultation with the principal: i) to advise the teaching staff on the broad curriculum policy for the school, including general student needs and general priorities;. ii) assessment of the school's needs regarding:. transportation, start/end times of the school day and conditions that may affect neighboring schools; and. iii) determining policies regarding:. community use of school facilities; iv) preparation of a budget for the expenditure of available funds. Report of the Review Committee (1985) Quality of Education in Australia, (The Karmel Report) Canberra: AGPS.

THE BOARD OF STUDIES

THE PRESENT BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Links Between Primary and Secondary Education
Increasing Retention in Years 10-12 FORCES FOR CHANGE
Registration and Accreditation
Independence of the Board

A Single Board
Determining Minimum Curriculum for Registration Purposes It is proposed that the Board will have responsibility for determining guidelines for the
Co-ordination of Curriculum
Syllabus Committees
Schools, TAFE and University Links
Separation of Registration and Accreditation
The Board's Agents
Registration of Government Schools
Independence of the Board
Staff of the Board
Role of the President of the Board
Role of the Board in Relation to Government Policy

The rest of the board inspectors would be appointed by the board from among applicants for the role. The committee proposes that the Board of Studies should service public and non-government schools in an appropriate way. The chairman of the board of studies must chair all meetings of the board of studies.

1) (a) of the 1987 Act states

Functions of the Board

The composition of the Board at any time shall (as far as is practicable) be such that
The Board of Studies shall have the following functions
The membership of the Registration Committee shall be
The Board be supported by administrative andprofessional staff employed as an independent unit within the Education portfolio and reporting to the President

The President of the Council must represent the Minister as required at national and international curriculum conferences. 2 nominees from the New South Wales Teachers' Federation, the nominees being persons (other than principals) employed in a teaching capacity, one in a state secondary school and one in a state primary school (and who for not less than 3 years in service); 1 nominee of the Independent Teachers' Association, the nominee being a person (other than a principal) who is employed in a teaching capacity in a non-government school (and who has been so employed for not less than 3 years);.

CURRICULUM

INTRODUCTION
THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM .1 General Education/Vocational Education

Catering for all Students
Core Curriculum

LEARNING AREAS
MINIMUM CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTØTION
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

The K-12 Continuum

STRUCTURES AND PROCEDURES FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

School-based Curriculum Development
A Central Curriculum Unit

PARENTAL PARTICIPATION IN CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT IN CURRICULUM
PARTICULAR CURRICULUM ISSUES

Personal Development
The Comprehensive Secondary School Curriculum
Environmental Education
Sport
Home Economics/Industrial Arts
Music

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION .1 Background

Report on Religion in Education in NSW Government Schools
Program Evaluation of the General Religious and Moral Education Syllabus
Submissions to the Committee of Review
Provision of General Religious Education Government Schools
Recommendations

VALUES EDUCATION

Recommendations

Many proposals to the committee advocated the transfer of decision-making and responsibility for education to regions and schools. As stated in the submission of the body concerned with industrial arts education to the committee, the purpose of the industrial arts subjects in general is to develop in the pupils:. understanding of important elements within modern industrial and technological civilization through involvement in modern technology, current industrial practice and relevant traditional crafts and. the creative and constructive potential inherent in the human species by developing practical skills, problem-solving abilities and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Although general religious instruction continued to be part of the primary school curriculum, it was never included in the secondary curriculum.

CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATION

THE CURRENT ACT

10.2 ' THE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

THE HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

This includes at least two units of a board-determined course in English and at least nine other units. The required 11 units must contain at least five units of courses determined by the board, for which the board determines the syllabus and examination. The tertiary entry score is only reported for students who have taken at least 10 units of board-determined courses.

RECORDS OF ACHIEVEMENT

The Tertiary Entrance Score is the scaled aggregate of the best 10 units of board-determined courses, as a mark out of 500, calculated by the University of Sydney. For each course, this calculation is based on a composite of exam and assessment grades.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

The Committee's Approach

He believes that Registers of Achievement should be issued by the Board with the School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate and that they should contain a full representation of the student's courses of study and the achievements therein. The Committee notes that some employers and some in the community view the Tertiary Entry Grade as a guide to student achievement. It highlights the highly specialized nature of the score and its failure to reveal the full range of student achievement.

Records of Achievement, referred to below, should be issued by the Board and should contain a comprehensive representation of the student's courses of study
Students leaving before the completion of Year 10 should receive a report and reference from the school indicating the courses of studies taken and the levels
All students who complete Year 10 and qualify, whether leaving or remaining at school, should receive a School Certificate and a Record of Achievement
Students who complete Year 10 but do not qualify for a School Ce пificate should receive a Record of Achievement
Students who leave in Year 11 after the first semester should receive a Record of Achievement indicating further courses of studies undertaken
Students who leave in Year 12 after the first semester or who fail to qualify for the Higher School Certificate should receive a Record of Achievement indicating

The Committee is concerned that university requirements should not dominate upper secondary school curricula or lead to inaccurate perceptions of Higher School Certificate results. The Committee recognizes that its presence on the Certijfcate has been in response to those who wish to view it as one of many measures of student achievement, but believes that it is not a reliable guide to the full range of student achievement. a student, is prone to misconceptions and may not appear on the Higher School Certificate or other diplomas issued by the board. It is not, and is not intended to represent, a true or complete index of the student's overall performance.

RETENTION

RETENTION ØTES
THE CURRENT POSITION
ARE INCREASED YEAR 7 TO 12 RETENTION RATES DESIRABLE?
RESEARCH RELATING TO RETENTION
RESPONSES TO INCREASING RETENTION
Recommendations The Committee recommends that

Within this category, the two most important influences were the diversity of the curriculum and its responsiveness to the needs of the students. The curriculum as a whole needs a more practical orientation to meet the needs of the overall group of students returning for years 11 and 12. Meet students', parents' and the wider community's expectations of the benefits accruing from six years.

THE SCHOOL AND THE TEACHER

THE "IDEAL" SCHOOL
THE PRINCIPAL

Recent Trends
Some Implications

THE TEACHER

What do Teachers Think?
Good Teaching
Recruitment Into Teaching
Recruitment Trends
Issues

A considerable amount of research and informed opinion show that the principal is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of the school. The final area of the Principal's activities is external relations, which includes communicating with and reporting to the education system, parents and the community, and involving parents and local businesses and community groups in the life of the school. There was also concern that discipline would be seen as a shared responsibility between the school and family and community support agencies.