One recommendation to fix inequity in Australia is for the government to fund non-government schools to the same degree as government schools, while banning them from charging fees.
Private schools are set to get a boost of billions under a new formula that links government funding to parents’ incomes rather than the socioeconomic profile of where they live.
Many rely on David Gonski’s ideas to shape the future of education policy. But his recommendation of personalised learning is a scripted, rigid version of education that will take us backwards.
If you’re confused about all the millions and billions thrown around for education by the two major parties, here’s the low-down on what the policies actually mean.
Schools funding doesn’t pass the playground test of fairness: state schools get less government funding than governments themselves say the schools need.
2018 was a mixed bag for schooling policy in Australia, with new ministers, a new organisation and auspicious anniversaries. It’s worth reflecting on the year that’s been.
The damning report, released on Monday, says the decline is widespread and “equivalent to a generation of Australian school children falling short of their full learning potential”.
Needs-based funding is necessary, but it can only do so much. It’s much more effective if we don’t have schools with high concentrations of poverty and disadvantage.
Catholic schools say they’re losing money under Gonski 2.0, but this is only true for schools serving students in affluent areas – those in poorer areas will either be unaffected, or get more.
We need to address issues like access to resources, teacher professional development and ageing classrooms to get the full benefit of STEM education in primary schools.
The Turnbull government’s schools funding proposal ‘should be embraced by all sides of politics’ provided some adjustments are made, a Grattan Institute submission says.
Labor has formally decided to try to thwart the government’s Gonski schools legislation, while the Greens are looking over their shoulder at what their base would think if they opt to back it. Meanwhile…
The Turnbull government is seeking to seize the political initiative on schools, with a big funding injection and the appointment of David Gonski to chair a ‘Gonski 2.0’ review.
Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford