Review of the Tasmanian Education Act
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REVIEW OF THE TASMANIAN EDUCATION ACT Discussion Paper for Consultation Minister for Education and Training FOREWORD Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training The Tasmanian Government is working hard to develop a and while it has served its purpose until this time, it is modern economy, encourage investment and create jobs important that as a community we review the Act to in order to build a brighter future for Tasmania. ensure that it provides the best framework for Tasmania’s education system today and into the future. To improve Tasmania’s economy we need to create a job ready generation of Tasmanians to enable a highly skilled I want a legislative framework that is contemporary and and educated workforce, helping our businesses cohesive, and supports our education system to provide to compete in a global economy. the best possible outcome for all learners. Education is the cornerstone of this plan, and for this This Discussion Paper sets out a number of themes and reason participation, retention and engagement of possible options for reform. These have been chosen our students are a strong focus for this Government. because they align with areas where it is becoming We are already investing significantly by extending rural increasingly important to ensure modern and innovative and regional public high schools to Year 12 and employing delivery models and strategies are implemented, to 25 literacy and numeracy specialists to work with students reflect contemporary society and educational practice. in Years 7 to 9 in government schools. Tasmanian legislation needs to be responsive to current and future issues affecting school education. We want more students in the Tasmanian education system to go on and complete Year 12 with strong literacy and In undertaking this review, I want to ensure that all school numeracy skills and a meaningful qualification, providing communities, industry stakeholders, interested individuals them with real choices for their future employment, and other groups are consulted through this Discussion education or training. This is a whole-of-community issue Paper, and have the opportunity to provide feedback and it is just as important that families understand the and advice. importance of completing Year 12, and that we build a culture where our communities value education. This paper does not seek to present a complete list of possible reform options under these themes, nor does it The Education Act (the Act) regulates education in seek to present preferred options. It is designed to simply the Government, Catholic and Independent education encourage discussion and generate ideas to help in the sectors, as well as home education. It has provided development of a new Act. the foundation for education in Tasmania since 1994, 2 3 Themes explored in this paper include: Following this, we ask ‘what do you think?’, and ask that you respond to the questions, as well as provide any further ideas you may wish • Guiding Principles for Education to raise that are not included in the paper. • Parent, Community and Education Partnerships Please email your responses directly to: [email protected] or you can post responses to • Safe Schools Education Act Review, • Enrolment (including starting and leaving ages) Level 1, 73 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000. • Attendance and Participation • Government School Operations A copy of the Act can be found at: www.thelaw.tas.gov.au/tocview/index.w3p;cond • Non-Government Schools =;doc_id=86%2B%2B1994%2BAT%40EN%2B201408 • Home Education 12110000;histon=;prompt=;rec=;term= Your feedback and knowledge is not only important to me as It is also an opportunity to reflect on the value of education in our Minister for Education and Training, but to Tasmania’s education community, with an aim to strengthen the governance and regulation system as a whole. I encourage you all to share your thoughts and of Tasmania’s education system to better meet the needs of current ideas for reform, as we work together to provide the best possible and future generations of Tasmanians. outcomes for all learners in the Tasmanian community. Through this Discussion Paper, I am asking you for your feedback Opportunities to submit your feedback and comments close on 31 and thoughts so that we can ensure that the outcomes of the December 2014, and all submissions will be made publicly available review are in the best interests of improving Tasmania’s education on the Department of Education’s website. system to benefit our young people. Jeremy Rockliff Within each section of this paper is an overview of what current Minister for Education and Training practice is and any issues, as well as possible options for reform. FOREWORD: WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are these the right themes for reform to Please suggest any additional themes you be explored as part of the review of the think should be included, and the kinds of Q1 Education Act? If not, explain which themes Q2 reforms you think should be considered you agree with, which themes you don’t under those themes. agree with, and why. Please email your responses directly to [email protected] or you can post responses to Education Act Review, Level 1, 73 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000. Foreword ..................................................2 Section 1 Guiding Principles for Education .......................5 Section 2 Parent, Community and Education Partnerships ..........6 a. School Associations. 6 b. Role of the Principal and Teacher ...........................7 Section 3 Safe Schools ........................................8 a. Student Behaviour Management ............................8 b. Building Respectful School Communities .....................8 Section 4 Enrolment (including starting and leaving ages) ..........10 a. Starting and Leaving Ages ................................10 b. Student Records and Data (including privacy) ...............11 CONTENTS c. Post-Year 10 ............................................12 Section 5 Attendance and Participation .........................14 a. Attendance and Non-attendance ..........................14 b. School Hours ..........................................16 Section 6 Government School Operations ......................17 a. Curriculum .............................................17 b. Early Years and Kindergarten ..............................18 Section 7 Non-government Schools ............................20 Section 8 Home Education ...................................21 Section 9 Conclusion .........................................22 Further Reading ............................................23 4 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR EDUCATION WHO DOES THIS AFFECT? Examples of these principles include: Government, non-government and home education • Education provides the foundation for the sectors State’s social and economic advancement; CURRENT SITUATION IN • Every child has the right to receive an education; TASMANIA • Assisting each child to achieve his or her educational potential; Modern legislation includes statements of purpose • The education of a child is primarily the and underlying principles which guide the intent of responsibility of the child’s parents; the Act. This review presents an opportunity to help shape the vision for the future of education in • Parents take an active part in their children’s Tasmania. education and training; • All providers of education and training, both Good education systems and practices are guided government and non-government, must ensure by a shared community understanding. This is an their programs and teaching are delivered in opportunity for us to think about the role and value a manner that promotes the principles and of education both for children and for Tasmania, practice of Australian democracy (e.g. elected SECTION 1 and to think about the roles and responsibilities of government, the rule of law, equal rights for parents/carers, schools and the community more all before the law, values of openness and generally. tolerance); We know, for example, that the involvement • Children and young people have access to of parents and carers is a vital part of a child’s a high-quality education that develops their education. Parental engagement has a positive effect potential and maximises their educational on student achievement including better student achievement; performance, lower drop-out rates, more regular school attendance and better social skills. • Young people should participate in full-time education, training or employment options after WHAT HAPPENS ELSEWHERE? they complete Year 10; and • Students and school-based staff are safe. Other states’ legislation generally includes Objects (purpose) and sometimes also guiding principles, which describe the issues that are considered important as the foundation for educating children. SECTION 1: WHAT DO YOU THINK? What principles do you think should How can we raise the profile of guide education in Tasmania? the value of education and training Q3 Q4amongst the Tasmanian community? Please email your responses directly to [email protected] or you can post responses to: Education Act Review, Level 1, 73 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000. PARENT, COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS WHO DOES THIS AFFECT? WHAT IS HAPPENING Government education sector ELSEWHERE? Other jurisdictions in Australia provide for school A. School Associations associations or councils in their legislation. Their role is generally strategic rather than operational. For CURRENT SITUATION IN example, in Queensland