Queensland leads the way with Australian first in school performance audit

Comprehensive audits have been carried out at more than 700 Queensland state schools as part of the Bligh Government's plans to strengthen schools and improve learning outcomes for all students.

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said a team of 23 experienced principals had been carrying out Teaching and Learning Audits across Queensland, looking at eight specific areas including curriculum implementation, teaching, assessment and reporting.

"The aim of these audits is to look at how our schools are performing, where we can improve and what can be done to improve learning outcomes for all Queensland state school students," Mr Wilson said.

"Queensland is the only Australian state conducting these audits."

Mr Wilson said the 700 audited schools, including more than 100 schools involved in the Low Socio Economic-Status School Communities National Partnership, would use the audit recommendations to improve their performance.

"These audits are providing our schools with a clear road map of where their strengths lie and where they need to improve," he said.

"This information will empower principals and teachers to work with their school communities and develop programs and responses specific to their needs and to celebrate their achievements.

"Feedback from teachers and principals so far is that they appreciate the opportunity to have their teaching, learning, assessment and reporting practices reviewed by experienced senior principals and to then implement changes to improve student outcomes."

Mr Wilson said the department commissioned Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to develop the Teaching and Learning Audits in line with international best practice, and in consultation with Education Queensland, principals associations and other education stakeholder groups.

"These audits will be carried out at all Queensland state schools by the end of 2010.

"They are just one of the many initiatives underway to improve the performance of Queensland's students under the Smarter Schools National Partnership Agreement.

"We have more than 90 Literacy and Numeracy Coaches working with teachers in 175 schools across the state.

"Ten Turnaround Teams are working in selected Low Socio Economic-Status School Communities National Partnership schools to improve school leadership and encourage student achievement.

"And Literacy and Numeracy Summer Schools have been available for students in Years 5-7 in need of some extra support."

Mr Wilson said the State Government was committed to improving outcomes for all Queensland children.

"We will continue to work with Prof Geoff Masters to ensure we provide a world-class education system for Queensland students."

Minister for Education and Training
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
06/09/2010

Permanent Link: Queensland leads the way with Australian first in school performance audit
Publish Date: 06 Sep 10