Positive Findings In Queensland Education Performance Review

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson has welcomed the release of a progress review which has reported good to excellent progress being made in implementing actions to improve the literacy, numeracy and science performance of the State's primary school students.

"In December 2008, Professor Geoff Masters, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council of Educational Research, was commissioned by the Queensland Government to review primary school education in the state," Mr Wilson said.

"The Government committed to a range of actions in response to the report, and it was timely to have Professor Masters check on how these were progressing.

"His latest report found 'good' to 'excellent' progress was being made where the Government had fully supported the recommendations."

In his report, Professor Masters found excellent progress had been made in increasing specialist literacy, numeracy and science support in state schools through the appointment and training of more than 90 literacy and numeracy coaches, 100 full-time equivalent primary science facilitators and 15 regional science managers.

Professor Masters found very good progress had been made by the Queensland College of Teachers in establishing the Framework for Advanced Professional Development as a new structure for advanced professional learning in literacy, numeracy and science teaching and assessment.

"Very good progress was also reported in the establishing of the legislative framework for the Pre-Registration Test for Aspiring Primary Teachers," Mr Wilson said.

"In addition, very good progress was reported in the collaborative development of content parameters for the test and in advancing arrangements for test development and administration by the Queensland College of Teachers.

"Good progress has been made towards a new structure and program of advanced professional learning for primary school teachers through the establishment of the Queensland Educational Leaders Institute, the co-hosting of the new Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and the introduction of the Teaching and Learning Audit of all state schools in 2010.

Mr Wilson said the Government provided in-principle support for one of Professor Masters' recommendations - that standardised science tests be introduced for Years 4, 6, 8 and 10.

"For this reason, Prof Masters' progress report has found limited progress against this recommendation as he envisaged it," he said.

"In consultation with key stakeholders, it was determined it would be of more benefit to support primary school teachers to teach and assess science more effectively.

"The Government is very clear, however, that it is committed to ensuring the intent of Prof Masters' recommendation on science - to build students' knowledge and to communicate curriculum standards and scope to teachers - is met.

"In addition to the appointment and training of 100 full-time equivalent primary science facilitators and 15 regional science managers to support Years 4-7 teachers, scholarships have been awarded in 2010 to assist primary teachers to increase their confidence and knowledge in teaching science.

"The Queensland Studies Authority has enhanced assessment procedures and will deliver more enhancements in 2011 and 2012," Mr Wilson said.

"The State Government is committed to improving outcomes for all Queensland children.

"We will continue to stay focused on these initiatives, to ensure we provide a world-class education system for Queensland students."

The report and further information is available here: http://education.qld.gov.au/mastersreview/

Minister for Education and Training
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
03/09/2010

Permanent Link: Positive Findings In Queensland Education Performance Review
Publish Date: 05 Sep 10