School systems
20 August 2018
The expensive truth about private schools and student learning
When Australian parents shell out fees to send their children to private schools, they like to think they’re getting many things for their money. So they may be surprised to learn that superior student growth in literacy and numeracy is not one of them.
21 March 2018
Using data to adapt and improve teaching practice
Education systems are awash with data. But how do teachers use data to improve their teaching? Big data can inform teaching, but small data drives learning. In this speech, Grattan’s Peter Goss argues for an adaptive education system, where central guidance and regional support help schools to make good local decisions.
26 November 2017
How to achieve excellence in Australian schools
Australia’s school education system is not fit for purpose, and we need to rethink the way we teach students, support teachers and run schools. The “Review to Achieve Excellence in Australian Schools”, led by David Gonski and due to report next March, offers a reform opportunity that must be seized.
5 October 2016
People pressure: Planning changes in your school population
Ensuring every school is a great school is the most important thing in both primary and secondary education. At the same time, there must be a school for every child to go to.
1 April 2016
Split funding idea for schools has big risks and few clear benefits
An innovative idea has been brought to the table; the federal government ceasing funding for public schools, but continuing to support non-government schools. Unfortunately, the fact that an idea is innovative does not make it worthwhile.
1 April 2016
Public vs private school funding a distraction from what matters
While streamlining accountability for government schools may have benefits, the proposal creates other problems. There are big risks in different levels of government supporting different school systems.
22 March 2016
NAPLAN analysis points out policy gaps
In practice, it is hard to compare different groups of students using the NAPLAN points scale. A new analysis of NAPLAN data suggests that students are falling much further behind than previously thought.
22 January 2016
Should you worry about a schools shortage? It really depends on where you live
As a current or prospective parent, whether you should worry about school shortages depends entirely on where you live. As a taxpayer, you should definitely worry about whether schools are being planned effectively.
21 September 2015
Grade repetition: there are better ways to move kids forward than by holding them back
When students are being left behind the solution presented is often to make them repeat a year level. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear that repetition should not be the default solution. What’s needed instead is a proactive educational approach.
9 August 2013
Why we must debate Canberra’s role in schools
School education will be a big issue in the coming election campaign, yet the Federal Government does not operate one school or hire one teacher. It’s time for a proper debate about limiting Canberra’s role in schools.