Shaping the future of Australian education
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128, 8 November 2023, page no.9
In the coming year, the fate of every public school in Australia will be determined. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, along with his state and territory counterparts, is gearing up to negotiate a new National School Reform Agreement, as well as bilateral agreements that will outline the future funding levels for schools across the nation.
In preparation for these negotiations, Mr Clare established an expert panel to identify reforms tied to additional funding that can enhance educational outcomes, promote student wellbeing, and close the unacceptable achievement gaps among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This included a nationwide survey involving almost 25,000 students, educators, parents, and guardians.
The findings of this survey are not just eye-opening; they are a call to action.
Educators, the heart of our schools
Almost 14,000 educators, including teachers, principals, and education workers, participated in the survey, and their message was clear: unsustainable workloads are the primary concern that needs addressing if we are to retain teachers and improve student results.
“Reducing teacher workload (and addressing retention) is the most important need,” the survey report concluded. This was the top priority for educators (74.2 per cent, even before supporting students with complex needs (62.3 per cent) or greater access to support staff (33.5 per cent). They highlighted the urgent need for more specialist classroom support, additional teachers, and small group or individual tutoring to help students who are falling behind.
For educators in state schools, these investments are crucial, and they are advocating for these changes passionately.
Parents and guardians: nurturing our future
Approximately 8,500 parents and guardians added their voices to the survey. The majority (54.5 per cent) believed that investing in small group or individual tutoring is the way to help their children learn and reach their full potential, yet less than half reported this support as currently available. Similarly, almost half of parents and guardians with children in state schools believed that more teachers are needed. When it came to supporting learning and student wellbeing, their priorities included professional development for teachers and staff (86.2 per cent), programs promoting student engagement and belonging (86 per cent), and an increase in school counsellors, psychologists, or mental health support officers (78.3 per cent).
The aspirations of our students
More than 2,790 students took part in the survey, with the majority enrolled in state schools. They highlighted the importance of schools having the capacity to respond to their individual needs (40.9 per cent). This was followed by the need to reduce disruptions by other students (40.3 per cent) and enhanced learning spaces, technology, or in-class resources (35.7 per cent). One-on-one tutoring with a small group of students was also considered essential (30.2 per cent). On health and wellbeing, students favoured investments in activity clubs, school counsellors, and mental health support professionals.
Taking action for a brighter future
The survey findings will play a pivotal role in shaping the final report the expert panel delivers to the federal government. Subsequent negotiations with state and territory governments will determine the future of public education in Australia.
As the AEU National Public Education Field Coordinator in Queensland, I have been working with our Union Organisers and Senior Officers to raise the profile of the campaign in regions and to sign up supporters. We have also had some critical meetings with federal and state members and ministers, including Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Plans for this term include For Every Child “Do Your Block” letterboxing, and a car tour of the state collecting “Postcards to the PM”, which will then be delivered to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese by all the Field Coordinators throughout Australia.
Visit www.foreverychild.au and be a part of this crucial movement, which will redefine the future of Australian education. Why not volunteer and get involved at school and community events? Just contact me at mbailey@aeufederal.org.au.
Together, we can build a brighter, fairer tomorrow for all of Australia’s children.
Maika Bailey, National Public Education Campaign Field Coordinator