FROM THE FRONT: report from Parliament House, Canberra by Jenny Branch, President of ACSSO
Representing the hopes, fears and expectations of parents of public school students around the country is often a heavy responsibility but, as the President of ACSSO, I do get the occasional opportunity to gain some special insight into how our country operates.
The Federal Budget is a case in point.
From the lock-up, fuelled by a keen sense of expectation and high hopes, to the formal presentation on the floor of the Parliament, I was able to observe at close hand the process that decides how our money will be spent.
It was fascinating to watch such a complex, detailed plan being brought into clear shape and focus as a framework for the future, and then to work out the implications for the public education system.
I'm glad to say we back this education budget, which we view as a thoughtful plan that addresses key issues without heating up the economy.
I know parents are excited by the major funding provided for early childhood education. That $500 plus million is an investment that is long overdue - but starts in the right place: the training of new employees in the sector.
Parents are also impressed by the way that the Government has fulfilled all its promises - an important new step in bringing back trust to public life ... read more
ACSSO EDITORIAL:
A fresh perspective on Australian education issues that are making news - or ought to be.
16-04-08: Values - Vital Elements of Successful Learning and Personal Development
When ACSSO does its polling and focus groups, we find parents are very strong about the need to teach and practise values in our schools.
They want good academic results and they want schools to be safe places for their kids.
And they want schools to reflect, teach and model the positive values they know are important to all young people’s learning and personal development.
Values of mutual respect, inclusiveness, empathy and compassion, integrity, honesty, trust and personal responsibility.
ACSSO has been listening to parents.
As a result, we are strongly advising the Australian Government that the Values Education Programme must be continued after June this year.
Values education has given a green light to teachers and parents to teach the whole child about such important values as doing your best, respecting the rights of others, practising tolerance ... read more
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION DIGEST:
A free weekly email summarising education news, issues, events and resources. subscribe now | browse archives
01-07-08: Hot Topic: The Drift to Private Schools - How John Howard shored up private education, by God; Hot Topic: Chaplains in Schools; Family School Community Partnership Bureau - Launch 11 August; Letter to the Editor; Towards a National Curriculum: First round consultation begins; Federal State Focus: School results lacking details; Digital Education Revolution: Reading, writing & virtual reality; Education Tax Refund 2008-2009: Keep your receipts; Awards & Prizes; Health & Well-being: New Parents Jury campaign; Indigenous Education: Funding for boarding school infrastructure; Education Budget Roundup Tailpiece: Tas High Schools miss out again; International Year of Planet Earth; Int'l Year of the Frog; Conferences & Events; Reminders; Resources ... read more
24-06-08: Hot Topic: Funding - Boost public school funding; Hot Topic: Chaplains in Schools (4 items); Digital Education Revolution (3 items); Around the States & Territories (7 items); Health & Well-Being: Report focuses on accidents, suicide and self-harm among youth; Tertiary education (3 items); International Year of Planet Earth 2008 (5 items); Prizes & Awards: P&C Awards 2008; Conferences & Events (2 items); Resources; Reminders ... read more
