Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians


Book Description

Improving educational outcomes for all young Australians is central to the nation's social and economic prosperity and will position young people to live fulfilling, productive and responsible lives. Young Australians are therefore placed at the centre of the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals. These goals are: (1) Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence; and (2) All young Australians become: successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens. Together, all Australian governments commit to working with all school sectors and the broader community to achieve the educational goals for young Australians. This commitment will be supported by action in eight inter-related areas: (1) developing stronger partnerships; (2) supporting quality teaching and school leadership; (3) strengthening early childhood education; (4) enhancing middle years development; (5) supporting senior years of schooling and youth transitions; (6) promoting world-class curriculum and assessment; (7) improving educational outcomes for Indigenous youth and disadvantaged young Australians, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds; and (8) strengthening accountability and transparency. [For companion report, "MCEETYA Four-Year Plan, 2009-2012: A Companion Document for the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians", see ED534447.]







MCEETYA Four-Year Plan, 2009-2012


Book Description

This Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth (MCEETYA) four-year plan outlines the key strategies and initiatives Australian governments will undertake in each of these eight areas to support the achievement of the educational goals for young Australians and will be reviewed and updated as needed. The plan is aligned with relevant work of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and key COAG and other national agreements have formed the basis of the plan, including: (1) the National Education Agreement; (2) the Schools Assistance Act 2008, which confirms the Australian Government's financial support for the non-government school sector; (3) the National Partnership Agreement on Literacy and Numeracy; (4) the National Partnership Agreement on Low Socio-economic Status School Communities; (5) the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Teacher Quality; and (6) Other National Partnerships that may be agreed during the life of this plan. It is intended that the plan provides a framework for the planning of collaborative federalist activities in education, including relevant COAG initiatives. It is not intended as a detailed implementation plan, as these details are more appropriately determined at the jurisdictional level, and in many cases this planning is already underway via the COAG process. This document is organised according to the eight Commitments to Action outlined in the Melbourne Declaration. Within each of these eight areas, this document: (1) provides some contextual information on why each area of action is important (drawn from the Melbourne Declaration); (2) restates the specific commitment to action made by all Australian Education Ministers in the Melbourne Declaration; (3) provides information on agreed strategies and actions relevant to this commitment that will be supported in jurisdictions over the period from 2009-2012; and (4) provides information on the MCEETYA role in relation to each commitment to action. (Contains 9 footnotes.) [For companion report, "Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians," see ED534449.].




Educational Leadership


Book Description

Various definitions of leadership have transformed the way that educators around the world think about teaching, administration, and policy over the years. This title investigates the changing face of educational leadership from comparative and international perspectives.




Flip the System Australia


Book Description

This is a book by educators, for educators. It grapples with the complexities, the humanity and the possibilities in education. In a climate of competing accountabilities and measurement mechanisms; corporate solutions to education ‘problems’; and narratives of ‘failing’ schools, ‘underperforming’ teachers and ‘disengaged’ students; this book asks ‘What matters?’ or ‘What should matter?’ in education. Based in the unique Australian context, this book situates Australian education policy, research and practice within the international education narrative. It argues that professionals within schools should be supported, empowered and welcomed into policy discourse, not dictated to by top-down bureaucracy. It advocates for a flipping, flattening and democratising of the education system, in Australia and around the world. Flip the System Australia: What matters in education brings together the voices of teachers, school leaders and scholars in order to offer diverse perspectives, important challenges and hopeful alternatives to the current education system.




Changing Australian Education


Book Description

Australian education policy for the past 40 years has been heading in the wrong direction and is entirely unsuitable for preparing young people for the 21st century. Exaggeration? Sadly not. For a teacher, there is nothing more exhilarating than encouraging young people to realise the power of learning. But in our schools today, teachers spend so much time preparing their students for high-stakes tests, gathering data and filling in forms, that many of them feel like the life has been squeezed out of their role. Schooling has been turned into a market, and school leaders are forced to spend precious time and resources competing with other schools. Their professional experience is disregarded as policy makers turn to the corporate world and self-appointed commentators to determine curriculum and school funding. The outcome? Our schooling system is becoming more segregated; children from poorer backgrounds are falling behind; public schools are starved of funds; and good teachers are leaving. One of the most highly regarded educational leaders in Australia, Alan Reid, argues it's time to reconsider the purposes of education, the capacities we need for the future, and the strategies that will get us there. He outlines a new narrative for Australian schooling that is futures-focused and prizes flexibility, adaptability, collaboration and agility, with students, teachers and school communities at centre-stage. 'A provocative and persuasive argument for the necessity of a new narrative for Australian schooling so as to meet better the demonstrable demands of the twenty-first century...' - Emeritus Professor Bob Lingard, The University of Queensland 'At the heart of the book is a penetrating critique of neoliberalism and the damaging effects it is having on education and society. It should be essential reading for policy makers, educators, parents, and anyone interested in the current state of Australian education.' - Professor Barry Down, Murdoch University




Educating for Global Citizenship


Book Description

This book explores educating for global citizenship in three parts. The first part identifies the field of global citizenship. The second part identifies a youth-led learning approach to global citizenship. It provides an in-depth and original analysis of the Global Connections program introduced into Australian schools and Indonesian communities over the last decade by Plan International Australia, through a case-study approach. Drawing on data from this project and further analysis, the third part outlines the principles behind learning for global citizenship. Finally, these principles are woven together in a model of inter-agency collaboration between schools, higher education institutions, and non-government agencies. We invite you to explore this fascinating terrain with us. This book is the work of a team. It reflects a long-term partnership between one international NGO, young people, and two universities.




Teaching Secondary School Mathematics


Book Description

Since its first publication, Teaching Secondary School Mathematics has established itself as one of the most respected and popular texts for both pre-service and in-service teachers. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect the major changes brought about by the introduction of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics, as well as discussing significant research findings, the evolution of digital teaching and learning technologies, and the implications of changes in education policies and practices. The mathematical proficiencies that now underpin the Australian curriculum -- understanding, fluency, problem solving and reasoning -- are covered in depth in Part 1, and a new section is devoted to the concept of numeracy. The chapter on digital tools and resources has been significantly expanded to reflect the growing use of these technologies in the classroom, while the importance of assessment is recognised with new material on assessment for learning and as learning, along with a consideration of policy development in this area. Important research findings on common student misconceptions and new and effective approaches for teaching key mathematical skills are covered in detail. As per the first edition readers will find a practical guide to pedagogical approaches and the planning and enactment of lessons together with enhanced chapters on teaching effectively for diversity, managing issues of inequality and developing effective relationships with parents and the community. This book is the essential pedagogical tool for every emerging teacher of secondary school mathematics. 'The text offers an excellent resource for all of those involved in the preparation of secondary mathematics teachers, with links to research literature, exemplars of classroom practices, and instructional activities that encourage readers to actively examine and critique practices within their own educational settings.' Professor Glenda Anthony, Institute of Education, Massey University 'A rich and engaging textbook that covers all of the important aspects of learning to become an effective secondary mathematics teacher. The second edition of this text ... is further enhanced with updated references to the Australian Curriculum, NAPLAN, STEM, current Indigenous, social justice and gender inequity issues, and the place of Australian mathematics curricula on the world stage.' Dr Christine Ormond, Senior Lecturer, Edith Cowan University




World Review


Book Description

The global landscape of education has been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the various challenges faced by countries worldwide. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) across different countries, offering unique insights into their histories, challenges, achievements, and future ESE needs. From Africa to Oceania, the book delves into the vital role of ESE in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights the diverse national discourses and the flexibility required to deliver effective global education programs. ESE practitioners, researchers, and policymakers worldwide will find inspiration and invaluable perspectives in this book.




Leading Learning and Teaching


Book Description

Leading Learning and Teaching is a thorough, comprehensive sourcebook on school improvement and best-practice leadership, including extensive references, case studies and evidence to back up arguments.