No. 47-20, 25 November 2020 | DOWNLOAD PDF

Content: Student code of conduct | Workload reviews

TO: QTU MEMBERS,

NAPLAN update

On Friday 20 November, the QTU was advised by the department that it is seeking the assistance of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to stop the Union’s NAPLAN ban. 

A dispute resolution conference will be conducted by the Commission on Friday this week.

This follows a QTU email to school leaders last week offering our complete support for their actions in standing strong on the NAPLAN ban and the unanimous affirmation of QTU State Council of the previous decisions of QTU Executive regarding the NAPLAN ban for 2020 and 2021.

The directive applies to all QTU members, irrespective of whether they participated in the recent ballot. The QTU’s message for the past few years has been clear – NAPLAN in all its forms must go. 

There is clear evidence from the Queensland (2018) and cross-jurisdictional (2019) reviews that after ten years of operation, NAPLAN is broken and has no place in our schools.

The QTU is in receipt of some examples of schools and regions that are currently using former NAPLAN tests with year 2, 4 and 6 students. Preparation for NAPLAN for 2021 should not be occurring. This is in breach of the QTU/DoE NAPLAN joint statement and the QTU directive. There should be no implementation of NAPLAN occurring in schools.

QTU Reps will receive a separate update on how they may support all members to implement the ban.

Student code of conduct
State Council also discussed the implementation timelines of the student code of conduct. The QTU has written to Minister Grace to formally seek a 12-month extension of the implementation period for the student code of conduct and to identify the concerns expressed by members in relation to the failure of the materials to recognise their right to a healthy and safe workplace.

The QTU has identified COVID-19 has impacted on the capacity of schools to conduct proper consultation with teachers and the school community to ensure the process is authentic and involves more than mere compliance. It is important that genuine consultation occurs to ensure the health and safety of members and students.

While the QTU seeks to achieve a statewide delay, if you have concerns about the impact of the current timelines at your school, State Council recommends that your school seeks a directive to support the delay of the implementation of the student code of conduct. Suggested resolutions have been provided in a Union Reps Update.
 
Workload reviews
Last week, as a part of the QTU’s ongoing priority of reducing workload for teachers, school leaders and principals, we released a document for use by members in schools describing outcomes of the workload reviews in Term 3. This document is there to support you in disseminating information and shows what the outcomes may or may not look like in your school. 

Department of Education Deputy Director General Peter Kelly wrote to all school leaders last week outlining the joint agreements reached between the Union and the department, arising from last term’s review. All regions have also been advised of these expectations. ..back to top

 Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064