School Education

Report challenges: 'Restore equality' in school funding

PUBLIC and private schools should be funded on the same basis and given incentives to enrol students from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are struggling academically, a new report argues. In the report, to be released today, Melbourne University education professor Jack Keating outlines a single education system to ensure consistent quality and that opportunities are offered to all students, regardless of where they live or how much their parents earn. He calls for a fundamental rethink of the way schools are funded, arguing that the present system rewards schools for selecting students who are economically or scholastically endowed. "At the moment, the incentives for schools, government and non-government, are to take kids who are better off or who get good exam results. All the incentives run in that direction," Professor Keating said. "We need to change the funding incentives and the accountability for government funding. One of the ways is for governments to be specific about what public money can be used for." Professor Keating said schools were forced to compete for the same group of students -- the top -- but should be encouraged to work together to help all students, with public subsidies used to provide incentives. "If schools are more willing to give fee relief, to charge low school fees on the basis of income, then the public would subsidise that. Schools that are more willing to work with other schools in the community to improve overall standards should be funded to support that collaboration," he said. [Source: The Australian] Download: New Federalism report Professor Jack Keating, A New Federalism: At A Glance, 2009 Professor Jack Keating, A New Federalism in Australian Education, 2009. Related Links: The Foundation for Young Australians The Education Foundation Fix school performance or poor won't get into uni - Glyn Davis Posted by Bill Coppinger on 22 July 2009; 11:30:58 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

C.E.P - Rural Education Resources

CEP - Rural Education Conference The Country Education Project is hosting a state-wide Rural Education conference to be held on Tuesday, 18th and Wednesday, 19th August in Maffra, Gippsland. The conference will link with the Small Towns Summit conference which will also be held in Maffra at this time. More details of the program and keynote speakers will be available in the very near future. CEP - Rural Educator's Network The Rural Educators Network was established in 2008 to support rural communities in the recruitment and retention of quality teachers for their communities. The initiative, supported by both the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Catholic Education Office focuses on four key areas: building partnerships between teacher training universities and rural clusters promoting the teaching opportunities available within rural communities supporting new graduates providing professional development for rural teachers and leaders. In 2009, the university, rural cluster partnership program will expand and include a number of new partnerships throughout the state involving a growing number of teacher trainees in a rural education setting. Also in 2009, the Network will be working with rural schools throughout the state to develop a web based promotion approach for rural education communities. Related Links: Country Education Project Phil Brown Executive Officer Country Education Project email: admin@cep.org.au   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 10 March 2009; 10:10:28 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Regeneration Programme Underway!

Regeneration in 2009 and beyond! The Seymour Regeneration Project was launched today in the Seymour Performing Arts Centre, with approximately 100 people including Principals and staff from Seymour Government Schools, Goulburn Ovens TAFE, Mitchell Shire and a number of other organisational stakeholders. The regeneration project is part of the State Governments "Building Futures" project. Building Futures is the conceptual framework that guides all capital investment in government school infrastructure in Victoria. It enables new facility design and the organisation of education services to better meet contemporary education needs. The day was opened by Regional Director of Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for the Hume region, Mr. Stephen Brown. He welcomed Member for Seymour Mr. Ben Hardman and Mitchell Shire Mayor, Mr. Bill Melbourne. Stephen Brown highlighted to the assembled audience what a rare and significant opportunity there was to contribute to the planning and regeneration of Education and Training opportunities in Seymour and the surrounding region, an opportunity that was a once in a generation. It was also pointed out that a detailed and open consultation phase would follow throughout 2009, with a view to ensuring the maximum benefit for broad community development. Members of the Central Ranges LLEN will be extremely pleased with this development and will already be aware of the advanced stages of the Kyenton Education Plan, a similar but slightly further advanced project based in the Macedon Ranges Shire. It is now apparent that each of the community centres across the three Shires served by the Central Ranges LLEN, now have access to planning and [potentially] capital resources from both the State and Federal Governments, all focused on creating cross-sector whole-of-community resources that will regenerate and support communities well in to the future. The challenge will now be to ensure that these opportunities are firmly grasped and that all community members and stakeholders contribute to the consultation phases and ensure we get the best possible outcomes for the young people across our communities in 2010 and beyond. The Board of the Central Ranges LLEN partnership [which now extends to almost 200 individuals and organisations across the three shires] will continue to be a major contributor of data, expertise and willing partners, to ensure these opportunities are fully realised. We will continue to provide members with updates and details as the planning unfolds in 2009. Related Links: Kyenton Education Plan Building Futures     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 29 January 2009; 3:48:07 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Funding available for Professional Learning in Career Development

Applications are invited for an accredited professional learning program for MIPS coordinators and careers personnel. The program will involve online completion of a Certificate IV in Career Development, and five professional development days. MIPS coordinators and other careers personnel in government schools are encouraged to apply. Grants are available to government schools to cover the full cost of the NCPC and the Certificate IV in Career Development. The website entry for the Accredited professional learning program 2009 can be found here. Note: - DEECD will fund 20 places in the new Certificate IV in Career Development for MIPS Coordinators and Careers Personnel in government schools. The funding provides for: Residential attendance at the CEAV New Career Practitioners Conference - A three day residential at Victoria University Sunbury (11 – 13 February 2009). Online completion of a prescribed set of competencies that lead to the attainment of the Certificate IV in Career Development. Two follow up counselling workshop days (16 June and 22 September 2009). The Application Form (copy attached or download at the link below) should be FAXED BACK TO CEAV on 9349 3311 by December 19. NOTE - Applications for the program CLOSE on FRIDAY DECEMBER 19. Related Links: Conference details can be downloaded from : 2009NCPCR Registration Form Accredited Professional Learning Career Education Association of Victoria Posted by Bill Coppinger on 17 December 2008; 3:37:06 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

OnTrack Regional Briefings 2008

The OnTrack Briefings for 2008 are now scheduled. The Department of Education apologises for such short notice.   HUME REGION - OnTrack Briefings FROM: Stephen Brown, Regional Director CONTACT: Merilyn Gander, Assistant Manager, (03) 5761 2113 DATE: 14 October 2008 SUBJECT: 2008 On Track Briefings   SUMMARY: The 2008 On Track Briefings will be held from 1.00pm - 3.30pm on , Monday 20 October at Raffety’s, Nunn St, Benalla. Reply by Friday 17 October. Apologies are extended for the late notice of this meeting. These briefing sessions aim to enhance the participant’s understanding of the On Track data at the regional and local level. The briefings will be particularly useful in informing the use of the On Track data for local planning including government school strategic planning undertaken as part of the School Accountability and Improvement Framework. The On Track destination data for early school leavers, year 12 completers, regional and LLEN level data will be presented. In addition data sets have been created for the new regional networks. Please confirm your attendance by email to allen.sandra.l@edumail.vic.gov.au A light lunch will be available upon arrival. Principals are requested to bring this to the attention of school leadership personnel.   LODDON MALLEE REGION - OnTrack Briefings From: Ron Lake, Regional Director, Loddon Mallee Region Date: 14 October 2008 Date: Friday 31 October, 2008 Time: 12.30 – 3.30pm (light lunch provided) Venue: Platinum Room Foundry Hotel Complex 366 High Street Golden Square The LLEN areas covered at this session for discussion are Goldfields, Campaspe Cohuna, Central Ranges (Macedon Ranges Shire focus), North Central, Murray Mallee and Northern Mallee. To register your attendance please forward the attached registration form to Katie Scoble, Office Administrator, by no later than Friday October 24, via fax 5442 5321 or email scoble.katie.a@edumail.vic.gov.au. There is a line for optional questions which you may wish to ask prior to the session. Please note there is no On Track session in Mildura this year. For further information please contact Graeme Lynas via telephone 5440 3110, mobile 0427 403 100 or email lynas.graeme.f@edumail.vic.gov.au   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 15 October 2008; 9:32:17 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

You say you want a Revolution....?

In a speech made to Federal Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, outlined the basis of the Australian Government's "education revolution". Quite clearly, these developments, along with the most recently announced state government reforms to the TAFE System, the ongoing development of the National Trade Training Centre Initiatives and the current State Government reviews in to VETiS and VCAL will demand ever closer and more synchronised coordination of the planning and implementation of these policy positions at a place-based level. The level of complexity produces perhaps equal yet opposing levels of opportunity, allowing great change and improvement in outcomes if handled well by communities, or more confused, even poorer outcomes, if handled in a piecemeal fashion by communities. We draw these latest initiatives to the attention of all CRLLEN members and stakeholders, our partners and counterparts in the Local Community Partnerships and especially Local Government. It is clear that sound planning will be more important than ever before to ensure the maximum opportunities are produced for young people across our communities. The document launched by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister says: Schooling, along with early childhood development, is an important enabler of economic potential, and is central to helping Australian children to reach their individual potential. It is a key element of building a just and participative society. The basic literacy and numeracy skills developed in school provide the necessary foundation for developing higher order skills that contribute to a more productive workforce. Further, for most children school continues to be the primary environment for social engagement outside of their homes. Completing schooling to Year 12 level is important not only as a pathway to further education, but because Australians who have not reached this level of attainment are significantly more likely to be unemployed than those who have. Higher educational attainment leads to significantly better wages, with each additional year of schooling being associated with around a 10 per cent increase in earnings. It is likely that children who receive a better education are less likely to commit crimes in later life. Low educational attainment is also associated with inter-generational poverty and poor social inclusion. High quality schooling is critical to the life chances of individuals and generates a range of economic, social and inter-generational benefits. Indeed, improving upper secondary education attainment was one of the five policy priorities the OECD identified for Australia in its 2008 report, Going for Growth. Students who score badly on literacy and numeracy tests in Year 9 are more likely to be unemployed, and if they are employed, more likely to earn a low wage. Literacy and numeracy achievement is the most influential factor in Year 9 students staying on to complete Year 12 and the strongest predictor of tertiary entrance performance Australia boasts many excellent schools, as well as high-quality and dedicated teachers and principals. On average, and compared with other OECD countries, most Australian school students are performing well. The OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results for 2006 show that the average performance of 15 year olds continues to be significantly better than the OECD average. However, the policy report makes the following assertion: The performance of the Australian schooling system has been allowed to drop relative to that of other countries in the OECD: In the period between 2003 and 2006, Australia declined in both its absolute and relative performance in reading literacy. Australia has too long a ‘tail’ of underperformance linked to disadvantage. The PISA results indicate that over the last six years the percentage of students who are less than proficient at reading or maths has not reduced. International testing also shows that the reading performance of Australian students at the high end of the achievement scale has declined between 2003 and 2006. The ‘tail’ of underperformance in Australian schools is concentrated amongst students from low socio-economic status (SES) families and Indigenous students. For example, the difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in PISA mathematics and reading literacy is equivalent to more than two years of formal schooling. The difference between students from the lowest SES quartile and those in the highest is also more than two years of schooling in both reading literacy and mathematics. Further details of the full agenda of the Council of Australian Governments [COAG] and a copy of the report can be found by viewing this link: www.centralrangesllen.org.au/educationrevolution   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 28 August 2008; 10:02:38 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Destinations 08 - Last Call for Registrations

Destinations: Our Core business - Second Call !! This is a joint venture of Hume and Loddon Mallee DEECD Regions and proudly supported by Local Learning & Employment Networks. When: Sunday, August 24 & Monday, August 25, 2008 Where: Rich River Golf Club Moama, NSW [Google Map] This is a conference for people with an interest in the latest on post-compulsory education, pathways and transition support. Interested in VET, VCAL, Trade Training Centres, Applied Learning, MIP's, Pathways, successful transitionsor all of the above? Then this is the conference for you. Registration and all contact details can be found at: http://www.ospreyconsulting.com.au/destinationsconf08.htm A wide range of interactive workshops with expert presenters will be available. Participants will be able to explore current issues for post compulsory provision, pathways and support. This is an invitation to be CHALLENGED, INFORMED and STIMULATED and to share good practice with colleagues in a relaxing, comfortable and attractive environment.   Download brochure   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 4 August 2008; 5:01:33 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

New Pay Deal for Victorian Teachers

Victorian teachers will become the highest paid in Australia and secondary students will get an extra six days of tuition each year under a pay deal reached this morning by the Brumby Government and the teachers union. Premier John Brumby said the agreement was a win for students and their families, the teachers and the education system and demonstrated why education remains this Government’s number one priority. “A graduate teacher in Victoria currently earns $46,127 and under this agreement will become the highest paid graduate teacher in the country earning $51,184 while an experienced classroom teacher will receive a $10,000 pay rise to $75,500,” Mr Brumby said. Australian Education Union Victorian Branch President, Mary Bluett said the in principle agreement was a significant win for teachers, principals and school communities across the state. "Today's outcome includes significant salary increases for Victorian teachers and improvements to the contract system of employment, to maximise the number of ongoing employees and provide greater financial security for teachers employed on contracts," Ms Bluett said. Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the agreement means Victoria can continue to build its excellent education system and continue to attract the best and brightest into the teaching profession. “The offer will also see all teachers receive pay increases which clearly demonstrates the Brumby Government’s commitment to ensuring nationally competitive salaries which reward our teachers for the high quality education they provide our students. Ms Pike said the offer includes: All teachers’ pay packets to be increased; Removing the lowest two bands on the teachers’ salary scale so teacher graduates will be the highest paid in the country; Executive Contracts for high performing Principals; Maintaining Australia’s best conditions for teachers; The equivalent of six more days tuition for secondary school students; Exit Strategy for disengaged teachers; and Three pupil free days before the school year begins for students and one report and marking day for teachers in semester one. Ms Pike said teachers have agreed to work with the Government in implementing the new Blueprint 2 school reform process which involves encouraging the best teachers to move to schools where they are most needed, a scheme to encourage high performing graduates from other fields to enter teaching and stronger intervention and monitoring of under-performing schools. “As outlined in Blueprint 2 executive contracts will now be offered for some principals which will not only reward our highest performing principals, but also create flexibility which allows for their skills to be most effectively used.” Ms Pike said that in addition to a wages boost teachers will continue to enjoy outstanding conditions. Maximum – Classroom teacher   VIC NSW QLD SA WA ACT NT 2007 $65,414 $72,454 $69,225 $68,422 $67,446 $71,767 $70,047 2008 $75,500 $75,352 $71,994 $68,422 $71,206 $74,279 $72,849 Graduate Entry VIC NSW QLD SA WA ACT NT 2007 $46,127 $49,050 $46,950 $49,605 $44,618 $50,781 $49,944 2008 $51,184 $50,522 $48,829 $49,605 $45,733 $50,781 $49,944 [Source: Premier.vic.gov.au & AEU Victoria ] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 5 May 2008; 6:21:59 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Destinations: Conference 08

Destinations: Our Core business This is a joint venture of Hume and Loddon Mallee DEECD Regions and proudly supported by Local Learning & Employment Networks. When: Sunday, August 24 & Monday, August 25, 2008 Where: Rich River Golf Club Moama, NSW [Google Map] This is advance notice to add this conference to your diaries. This is a conference for people with an interest in the latest on post-compulsory education, pathways and transition support. Contact, registration and accommodation details will be circulated shortly. A wide range of interactive workshops with expert presenters will be available. Participants will be able to explore current issues for post compulsory provision, pathways and support. This is an invitation to be CHALLENGED, INFORMED and STIMULATED and to share good practice with colleagues in a relaxing, comfortable and attractive environment. Download brochure             Posted by Bill Coppinger on 27 April 2008; 9:49:03 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Australian Schools 2020 Summit Report

The 2020 Schools Summits were designed to get young people involved in shaping Australia’s future. And get involved is exactly what they did. School children from more than 500 schools across Australia participated in the summits which were held across Australia for a three-week period from 17 March 2008. The Schools Summit Report, "Voices of the Future" has just been published this week. A link to the report and more details on the summit can be found on our own Voices from the Future Web site. Link to : www.centralrangesllen.org.au/ourfuturesvoices/     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 13 April 2008; 6:29:50 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Blueprint 2008

For the benefit of members and all community stakeholders, we would like to draw your attention to the release of the Blueprint for Early Childhood Development and School Reform discussion papers– one for school reform and one for early childhood development – released today by Education Minister Bronwyn Pike and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand for public comment and feedback. The papers outline the Government’s proposed future vision for supporting Victorians from birth to adulthood. The overview and two discussion papers: School Reform Discussion Paper and Early Childhood Development Discussion Paper as well as details of the consultation process can be accessed and downloaded at the following website: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/directions/blueprint2008/default.htm Feedback from the public consultation process, will run until 16 May 2008, and will help shape the final Blueprint, which will be released later this year. The Government will also hold consultation sessions across the state throughout May. Public consultation forums will be widely advertised. The Overview of the Blueprint 2008 can be downloaded here . Related Links: Discussion Papers - contains the three discussion papers developed to assist in gathering public comment Public Consultation Process - provides information on how to make a submission Summit & Consultation Forums - provides details of planned public consultation forums     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 April 2008; 3:40:21 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

Update to Career Advisor's Resource Database !

Alyssa Whelan, the Regional Industry Career Adviser [RICA] for the Central Victorian & Goulburn Valley Region has recently updated the Career Advisor's Resource Database! This database is a collaboration between the Regional Industry Career Adviser [RICA] and the Central Ranges LLEN. It is a resource aimed at assisting Career Advisers locate relevant industry-specific careers resources. Some of the resources listed are only available in hard copy and will need to be ordered, however many are also available in PDF format and can be downloaded from their relevant websites. You can view the Database live online, by following this link: www.centralrangesllen.org.au/careersresource   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 April 2008; 2:53:22 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Digital Ed Revolution and High Speed Fibre

Digital Education Revolution The Australian Government is committing new funding of $1 billion over four years to provide: through the National Secondary School Computer Fund, grants of up to $1 million for schools to assist them to provide for new or upgraded information and communications technology (ICT) for secondary students in Years 9 – 12; and a contribution of up to $100 million for the provision of high-speed fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband connections to Australian schools. Full details can be found on our Community Broadband Website here; www.centralrangesllen.org.au/communitybroadband/ Related Links Community of Integrated Networks - C.O.I.N.s Federal Government - Digital Education Revolution   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 April 2008; 2:38:29 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Wannik - Education Strategy for Koorie Students

The Minister for Education, The Honourable Bronwyn Pike addressed Principals at the Conference this week to outline Wannik (Learning Together – Journey to Our Future) and reinforce the support that the Victorian Government will take to improve educational outcomes for Koorie students. The Minister for Education, the Honourable Bronwyn Pike, in launching the WANNIK strategy in February this year, has said: ...the educational needs of Koorie young people have not been adequately recognised within the context of our reform agenda. As a result, and despite significant investment, Koorie students have not fared as well as they should. Quite simply, our key strategies are not working, and in some instances have actually had the effect of isolating Koorie students from broader school reforms. Ensuring every Koorie child has the opportunities that a high-quality school education can deliver will therefore require a whole new approach. Wannik provides such an approach. It represents a renewed level of commitment from the Victorian Government to ensure that every Koorie child receives a first class education in Victoria’s government schools. Fundamental to Wannik is the fostering of a new culture of high expectations for Koorie students, and systemic reform across government schools to deliver the best possible education to meet these expectations. These reforms include an increased emphasis on accountability at the school, regional and system levels, strong leadership, and better engagement with Koorie parents and the community. We will work in partnership with Koorie parents and the community to create an education system that respects, recognises and celebrates cultural identity. Our education system must provide for all Victorians. The Victorian Government, together with VAEAI and Victoria’s Koorie community, is no longer prepared to accept anything less than excellence in the educational opportunities provided to Victoria’s Koorie young people. I am confident that in the spirit of Wannik, the Victorian education system and the Koorie community can achieve great things for Victoria’s Koorie young people. I commend this strategy to you, and look forward to working with all parts of the Victorian community as part of a new era of education in Victoria.   Brownwyn Pike - Minister for Education Related Links: Education Strategy for Koorie Students [DEECD] Creating a culture of Great Learning Expectations - The Age Download Wannik Strategy Document [PDF 920KB] Career Resource Guidelines for Koorie Young People [DEECD] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 9 March 2008; 4:21:46 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Common curriculum for principals in Hume Region

In the latest edition of the Curriculum Leadership Journal, Mark Waters and Pam Montgomery write: In August last year, 167 principals from the Hume Region of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD)gathered in Shepparton in north-eastern Victoria to participate in the first of twelve modules of leadership training entitled the Common Curriculum. This is the Hume Region’s strategy to reaffirm principals as instructional leaders in their schools. Over two years, all principals from the region will participate in eight one-day workshops devoted to educational leadership, and four one-day workshops dealing with transformational leadership. Each workshop will be followed by school-based action and reflection. Core leadership training for principals was originally proposed in 2006 by Stephen Brown, Hume Regional Director. This proposal was endorsed by Hume Region principals, and designed by Stephen Brown and Leon Kildea. The Common Curriculum was launched in 2007. The full article can be found here. Related Links: Hume Region - DEECD Professional Learning in Effective Schools Effective Schools The Curriculum Leadership Journal Posted by Bill Coppinger on 3 March 2008; 9:15:19 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

First Steps Towards National Curriculum

The Prime Minister and Minister for Education, announced the appointment of Professor Barry McGaw as Chair of the government's new National Curriculum Board. The Board will be established by 1 January 2009, and will oversee the development of a world-class curriculum for all Australian students from kindergarten to Year 12, starting with the key learning areas of English, mathematics, the sciences and history. The announcement states: School retention rates also vary between jurisdictions with less than seven out of every ten students completing year 12 in some states compared to more than eight out of ten in others. The National Curriculum Board will draw together the best programs from each state and territory into a single curriculum to ensure every child has access to the highest quality learning programs to lift achievement and drive up school retention rates. It will also reduce disruption for the 80,000 students who commence school each year in a new state or territory, particularly our Defence families. Professor McGaw is currently the Director of the University of Melbourne’s new Melbourne Educational Research Institute, and formerly Director of Education in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development based in Paris. [Source: DEWR] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 31 January 2008; 8:36:00 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Family Friendly Schools

Approximately 150 educators from across the Mitchell Shire [and beyond] attended a presentation by Dr. Steve Constantino at the Kilmore Trackside last night, Tuesday the 11th of September between 4:30pm and 8:30pm. The Board of the Central Ranges LLEN was pleased to support this excellent initiative and would like to congratulate Jim Alsop, Principal of Broadford Secondary College , along with his colleagues, John O'Meara [Principal Yea High School] and Tony Gooden [Principal, Broadford Primary School] for securing such a well respected and insightful speaker to work with teachers from across our region. It was a credit to the school communities to see so many of the teachers form schools across the area, in attendance. As an educator, author, consultant, parent, and the United State's leading practitioner in the field of family engagement in education, Dr. Steve Constantino provides leadership in engaging families in the educational lives of children as a conduit to improved student achievement. From 1995 to 2003, Dr. Constantino served as principal of Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. Stonewall Jackson High School is a school of approximatley 2700 students in years 9-12. In 1995 the school was one of the lowest perfoming schools in the district with poor attendance, high droput rates and in the words of one of his school board members, "a real dump". The High School achieved much success, both nationally and internationally. During Dr. Constantino’s tenure, Stonewall Jackson High School student achievement consistently improved. Stonewall was named number one among all Prince William County High Schools in the percentage of students entering college and among the top ten percent of schools worldwide offering the International Baccalaureate Program. Dr. Constantino is the 1997 Principal of the Year awarded by the Virginia State Counseling Association and is the 2000 recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award as well as being named the Prince William County Principal of the Year for 2000. In March 2000, and again in May 2003, Stonewall Jackson High School was listed among the nation’s “Top 100 high schools” in Newsweek magazine. The May 2001 issue of Time Magazine announced Stonewall Jackson as its “High School of the Year.” Dr. Constantino works with educators, school boards, schools and school districts, to not only raise awareness for family engagement but to help educators put into place successful family engagement practices that lead to the achievement of all students. Dr. Constantino has been featured in numerous publications and his first publication “Making Your School Family Friendly” was published in early 2003. Dr. Constantino’s second book, “Engaging All Families” was released in November 2003. Related Links:  Family Friendly Schools Posted by Bill Coppinger on 12 September 2007; 2:24:54 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Instructional Leadership in the Hume Region

In today's [August 17th] edition of the Curriculum Leadership Journal , Stephen Brown, Regional Director of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for our Hume Region outlines a vision and some concrete plans to improve instructional leadership in schools, as outlined at our Future Minds Forum in July this year.. In this increasingly complex education landscape, improvement is not accomplished by simply telling principals to achieve this or that. It involves capacity building. The Victorian Department of Education has a strong role in leadership development, and in the Hume Region of the Department our current focus is on supporting the development of instructional leadership in schools. The Region is rolling out a training program for its principals and assistant principals that will cover topics including numeracy, literacy, brain science and the learner, analysis and strategic use of data, negotiation skills, and strategic leadership of cultural change. View the Curriculum Leadership Journal to read the full article   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 17 August 2007; 6:33:09 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

Student at Risk Mapping Tool - Training Now!

Dear Colleagues, I am currently sitting in the first of series of Statewide briefings on the roll-out of the Student At Risk [SAR] mapping tool at the Grain Shed in Swan Hill. Thanks to Graeme Lynas and the teaching and learning team from the Loddon Mallee region for organising the day. The 'Students at Risk' Mapping (SAR) Tool - Formerly known as the MIPs Planning Tool was designed by Doug Smith and the Brimbank Melton LLEN. It has now been implemented by the Post Compulsory Division of DOE and CASES staff after extensive trials in two regions last year. The Tool, based on CASES 21, also provides data to inform School Accountability and Improvement Framework planning and reporting. As advised in February, the purpose of SAR Mapping tool is to provide authorised school staff with a systematic process which will assist them to: identify students at risk of early leaving select and map appropriate interventions; and evaluate selected interventions It is strongly recommended that schools not already using the Mapping Tool should wait until the training sessions in March. At this time a new automated version of the SAR Mapping Tool will be released. We circulated details to all 200+ subscribers and all schools in February and reproduce the dates here for your information. *ANYONE* involved in student welfare, careers and transition support or teaching and learning would benefit from exposure to this framework. I highly recommend your college community consider ensuring a delegation attends one of the training sessions. Quality data allows more refined decision making at all levels, we encourage you to suport this valuable initiative. Loddon Mallee Region Loddon Mallee Region Place Session Wednesday 21st March 2007 Mildura 1 Session [AM] Tuesday 27th March 2007 Bendigo 1 Session [AM] Thursday 29th March 2007 Bendigo 1 Session [AM] Hume Region Hume Region Place Session Thursday 26th April 2007 Benalla 1 Session [AM] Thursday 3rd May 2007 Benalla 1 Session [AM] Friday 4th May 2007 Benalla 1 Session [AM]   Related Links CRLLEN Research and Reports Brimbank Melton LLEN SofWeb MIPS Unit   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 20 March 2007; 7:43:46 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

School Councils Get More Training

As school communities across the State begin their election processes for 2007, the Minister for Education, the Hon. John Lenders, has released new materials to support all school councils. Thousands of parent, community and teacher volunteers who sit on Victorian government school councils will now have the opportunity to be formally trained, the Minister for Education, John Lenders, said today. Releasing new training and support materials for school councillors, Mr Lenders said school councillors who devote significant time and energy to creating the best possible learning environment for students will be better supported. "School councillors play a vital role in the decision-making process, building community partnerships and determining the direction of the school," Mr Lenders said. "I'd like to thank school councillors across the state for their valuable work and the time they give up to benefit Victorian children. "We want to ensure that councillors are not only recognised for their contribution but provided with first-rate training and training and support materials. "School councillors play a vital role in the decision-making process, building community partnerships and are central to the efficient running of our schools. "We need to ensure that school councillors are properly supported to carry out their work and meet challenges of the future. "That’s why we have developed this comprehensive training and support package for new, existing and prospective school councillors." With school council elections under-way, Mr Lenders also encouraged more parents to consider nominating for school council. "Not only is it a chance to contribute to society in a productive way, it is a chance to be involved in your child’s education and school and get to know other parents and teachers," he said. The materials include a website with advice to schools, training modules, induction sessions for new school councillors and information sheets. In addition to the web materials, training will cover, school finance, policy development, school strategic planning and effective meetings. Schools are encouraged to get in touch with their regional office to access training. The launch of the new support materials follows the Review of School Governance in Victorian Government Schools completed in 2005. For more information on support for school councils visit www.education.vic.gov.au [ Source: Dept Premier and Cabinet ] Related Links: CRLLEN Joint School Council Forum 2005 CRLLEN 'Three Pillars' Industry and Community Forum Education Victoria - School Councils Home Page Review of School Governance in Victorian Government Schools   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 22 February 2007; 12:40:06 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

State-wide "At Risk" mapping tool

Student At Risk Mapping Tool Update 2008 In Victoria, the Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) initiative ensures that all students 15 years and over in government schools are provided with individual pathway plans with associated support as a means to continued education, training or full-time employment. The 2008 SAR Mapping tool page can be found at: http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/sarmappingtool 15th February 2007 Forums are being held for Principals and school leadership teams, including MIPs coordinators, to focus on the state-wide roll out of the Students at Risk Mapping Tool. For Central Ranges LLEN communities, the relevant forums are being held in Swan Hill on March 20 between 10:00am and 3:30pm and Benalla on March 21st between 1:00pm and 3:30pm. See below for details. Principals are encouraged to send a team to this workshop and have been encouraged to bring the relevant DOE memoranda to the attention of school leadership teams, MIPS coordinators and CASES 21 personnel. The 'Students at Risk' Mapping (SAR) Tool - Formerly known as the MIPs Planning Tool was designed by Doug Smith and the Brimbank Melton LLEN. It has now been implemented by the Post Compulsory Division of DOE and CASES staff after extensive trials in two regions last year. The Tool, based on CASES 21, also provides data to inform School Accountability and Improvement Framework planning and reporting. The purpose of SAR Mapping tool is to provide authorised school staff with a systematic process which will assist them to: identify students at risk of early leaving select and map appropriate interventions; and evaluate selected interventions It is strongly recommended that schools not already using the Mapping Tool should wait until the training sessions in March. At this time a new automated version of the SAR Mapping Tool will be released. For details of all the documents needed to use the Mapping Tool check the MIPs website. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/sensecyouth/careertrans/mips/default.htm Details of Regional Forums Loddon Mallee Region Hume Region Region When: Tuesday 20th March 2007   Wednesday 21st March 2007 Where: The Grain Shed, King St. Swan Hill Google Map  [Approx]   Benalla Bowls Club, Arundel Street, Benalla Google Map  [Approx] Programme: 10:00am SAR Mapping Tool 1:00pm Absenteeism, Depression and Destinations’   1:00pm -3:30pm SAR Mapping Tool RSVP: Katie Scoble: Email: scoble.katie.a@edumail.vic.gov.au FAX to 03 5442 5321 by Wednesday March 7 2007   Sandra Allen Email: allen.sandra.l@edumail.vic.gov.au   by Friday 16 March 2007 Related Links CRLLEN Research and Reports Brimbank Melton LLEN MIPS Resources   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 15 February 2007; 10:22:08 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Seymour Tech High Shines in Energy Breakthrough !

Seymour Technical High School does it again!   In 2004 and again in 2005 we extended our congratulations to Students and Staff at Seymour Technical High School for their completion of the 2005 RACV Energy Breakthrough challenge and the series of awards they won. Once again in 2006, Seymour technical High School entrants have shone, with an outstanding performance to win the RACV Safety Award, (Chosen from all Hybrid, Try-athlon & HPV Secondary Entries) Congratulations to: Team T18 - Systematic - Seymour THS Seymour also took first place in the Try-Athlon B/C Class Congratulations to: Seymour Tech HS Team "Systematic" In the Hybrid Powered Vehicles Section, Seymour Technical High School was overall runner-up! Congratulations to: Seymour Tech HS Team 'Ultramatic' The RACV ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH is a joint initiative of the Country Education Project, the Central Goldfields Shire Council and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV). The BREAKTHROUGH is an exciting program designed to provide opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, a machine or innovation in technology that will represent an energy breakthrough. The program encourages participants to examine and use the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment and the way people live locally and globally. The RACV Energy Breakthrough isn’t just a once-a-year event! School groups work throughout the year to design, build and test vehicles or machines within detailed specifications. It requires a team effort and an across-the-curriculum approach. These groups then bring their vehicles and machines to Maryborough in November, for a huge celebration in which they can demonstrate and trial them in action. Related Links: Seymour Technical High School Herald Sun Newspaper Article 2006 RACV Energy Breakthrough Country Education Project 2006 Energy Breakthrough Results     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 December 2006; 5:22:38 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Premier opens Wallan SC

The Premier of Victoria, The Honourable Steve Bracks, officially opened Wallan Secondary College, today Tuesday the 24th of October, at a Ceremony held on the college grounds. Principal of Wallan Secondary College, Ms. Wendy Caramarco warmly welcomed almost 100 invited guests, parents and community members, along with the entire class of 2007. Opening the proceedings, Kellie Hunter Loughran, a Wurundjeri Gunung Willam Balluk Woman and Wallan Secondary College parent, made a formal and traditional Welcome to Country. She also presented a koorie flag to the School. Mr. Ben Hardman MP, the member for Seymour, introduced the Premier and thanked all those who participated in the original meeting with the Premier in 2000 to discuss plans for a High School in Wallan. The Premier accepted the welcome to country on behalf of the State Government and congratulated all the community members, parents, and college community supporters who have been working tirelessly over the years to establish Wallan's first Secondary College. The Premier remarked on what a wonderful achievement it is for the wallan community.   The Premier also took much pleasure in announcing that Wallan Secondary College Architects, Hayball Leonard Stent Pty Ltd, was the recipient of the inaugural good design awards, winning both best Secondary College and best Overall School, an award signed by the Minister for Education, the Hon. Lynne Kosky. The Premier commented that the rewards of the 5.2 Million dollar project were beginning to be seen as the different stages of construction took shape. Senator, The Honourable Judith Troeth, represented the Federal Education Minister, Ms. Julie Bishop. Senator Troeth congratulated the Wallan Community for their achievement and thanked the local Federal Member for McEwen, the Hon Fran Bailey, for her work in securing a Federal government contribution of 1.7 Million towards the construction of the college. Concluding the formal ceremony, there was a wonderful poetry recital by students Emily Loughran and Sarah Lydiate. Ashley Triffett and Glenn Frisch also provided a reading that gave a student's perspective of their new school. The college community and parents should be very proud of the calibre of presentation provided by these students. The ceremony concluded with afternoon tea in the Arts precinct of the college, with students providing wonderful hospitality to all the guests. More details of the opening can be found on the Wallan Secondary College Website over the coming days. www.centralrangesllen.org.au/wallansc Related Links: Wallan Secondary College Photo Gallery Posted by Bill Coppinger on 24 October 2006; 5:40:06 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

SFYS October Brokerage Round Open

School Focused Youth Service Seymour Schools Network & Lower Hume Region   School Principals, Student Welfare Coordinators, Teachers, Community Agency Managers and Workers with Young People at risk Invitation to apply for SFYS Brokerage Grants Wednesday 11 October – Friday 10 November 2006 Groups of schools and agencies responsible for services to young people in the Seymour Network of schools and the Lower Hume Region are invited to apply for brokerage grants up to $50,000 to support projects and programs targeting the needs of “at risk” young people between 10 – 18 years. If you wish to apply for brokerage or have an idea for a project, please contact the School Focused Youth Service Coordinator to discuss the project. Application forms and tip sheets will be sent via e-mail to schools and relevant agencies.  Preference will be given to projects/programs that promote school and agency partnerships. Closing date for Brokerage Grants is Monday the 13th of November 2006 Please contact Cameron Allan for further information, assistance on 03 57990039   Cameron Allan School Focused Youth Service Coordinator Seymour Schools Network Berry Street Victoria callan@berrystreet.org.au   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 10 October 2006; 10:11:58 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Life can be AYCE....

The Age newspaper reports this week on a series of initiatives designed to support students who have left school early or are not served well by traditional education programmes. Of interest to CRLLEN members will be the focus on Yea High School's AYCE programme (Access Yea Community Education) The article points out that: successful alternatives to mainstream schooling have a combination of winning factors in common, it seems: a more adult learning environment, individual attention, an attitude of mutual respect and education programs linked to real-world outcomes. It also highlights how positive and successful the Yea High School's AYCE programme is by pointing out that: Re-engaged students can't speak highly enough about AYCE (Access Yea Community Education), a State Government-funded alternative managed from Yea High School. To read the full article in The Age newspaper, please follow this link Related Links Yea High School's AYCE Programme Yea High School The Grampians Education Partnership State-wide Youth Engagement Forum Aug 2006 Community Based VCAL [Source: The Age ] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 3 October 2006; 5:33:16 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

New arrangements, new options.

Dr Dahle Suggett, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Learning and Teaching, Department of Education and Training presented a paper to the Victorian TAFE Association Council on 24 August 2006. The VTA is Victoria's peak employer body for the public providers of TAFE in Victoria. We have as our members all of Victoria's TAFE Institutes and four Victorian Multi-sector Universities. The title of the paper was: Post-compulsory provision for young people: New arrangements, new options. The discussion summarises the drivers of policy in this area, highlights the key data around the importance of youth transitions, suggests a framework for understanding the strategies in place in Victoria and internationally and proposes possible scenarios for future provision in post compulsory education and training. Dr. Suggett states: In some ways, post compulsory education and training in Victoria is at a crossroads. There is a set of new initiatives that have the potential to significantly reconfigure current structures of provision. The youth guarantee is perhaps the most far reaching of these, but the development of TECs, the Commonwealth’s simultaneous pursuit of Australian Technical Colleges and the continued pressures for schools to specialise and tailor provision to their local communities are all having an impact. Many of these changes open up the sector to market forces, and the responses of the various players in the market to them will largely determine the future shape of provision.   For full details and downloads of the paper and presentation, please follow this link. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 October 2006; 6:22:36 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Grants to promote Volunteering and Community Partnerships

CALL FOR SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Funding is now available to Victorian Government secondary schools to deliver Advance, a Victorian Government Program encouraging community volunteering and youth development. The school-based program enables students to participate in a diverse range of projects in their local communities, from working with Indigenous communities to land regeneration projects to broadcasting on radio to working with local businesses. The Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs, Jacinta Allan, said Advance encouraged young people to get involved and volunteer in community life. “Advance is a flexible program and young people are able to plan projects, meet new people, build skills and make a real difference in their local community.” Ms Allan said. “It encourages young people to develop partnerships with community organisations and work on projects that build and strengthen their community. “The Advance program enabled students to realise first hand the difference that volunteering can make not only to individuals but the community as a whole.” Advance funding is available to all Victorian Government secondary school campuses through a non-competitive process. Expressions of Interest are submitted online through the Department for Victorian Communities’ grants website at: Grants at DVC until 29 December 2006. For further information regarding the program or an online submission, contact the Department for Victorian Communities grants information line on 1300 366 356 Posted by Bill Coppinger on 25 August 2006; 8:38:33 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Youth Engagement Forum Hits the Mark...

Well over 100 participants [including six from the Central Ranges LLEN area] gathered at the Western Bulldogs clubrooms at the Whitten Oval in Footscray on Friday the 18th of August for the State-wide Youth Engagement Forum supported by Local Learning Networks across the state. The forum had a two-fold purpose , firstly as a forum for Community VCAL practitioners, managers and stakeholders who collaborate to create alternative and engaging education programs for young people who are disengaged from mainstream schooling. Secondly, it was about focusing on Youth Commitments. This was for LLEN members and stakeholders interested in establishing a collaborative regional approach to sharing responsibility for ensuring that all young people are supported to attain Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. An outstanding example of the power of this work was presented in the case study from the Grampians by Regional Director of Education, Mr. Malcolm Millar. Two years in the making, the Youth Options Guarantee is an initiative of the Grampians Education Partnership and will result in a seamless referral and support service to help young people at risk of disconnecting from education and training. To read the full report, and to download a full outline and presentation of the Youth Options Guarantee, please follow this link.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 20 August 2006; 10:04:09 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Learning Federation Showcase Online

The Learning Federation (TLF) has released more exciting new learning objects and digital resources to all Australian and New Zealand education jurisdictions and sectors for distribution to their schools. The new content for the March quarter includes: over 80 new interactive learning objects, including new series covering the six prescribed curriculum areas of Science, Mathematics and numeracy, Literacy for students at risk, Studies of Australia, LOTE (Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian) and Innovation, enterprise and creativity. Visit the Showcase on the TLF web site to view a 1964 black and white newsreel clip of the Beatles tour of Australia and New Zealand, a brilliant coloured photo of a rather punk-like Australian tree-living ant and a 1900 photograph of children in the diphtheria ward in the Melbourne Children’s Hospital, from the digital resources collection. Related Links The Learning Federation  Online Showcase    Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 May 2006; 8:44:24 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Bendigo Schools agree to Master Plan and overhaul!

The Bendigo Advertiser reports today that; a plan to overhaul secondary education in Bendigo has been endorsed by the six school councils charged with making the momentous decision. ... Department of Education regional director Ron Lake expressed relief last night and his "admiration" for the six school councils in reaching an "outstanding decision" that will "support the future of education in Bendigo". ...Four new schools will be built... Between $4 million and $5 million required in the 2006-07 financial year for school planning and site acquisition; with $80 million-$90 million for capital works required between 2007 and 2009 The full story can be found here. [Source: Bendigo Advertiser] Related Links: Re-organisation and Renewal on the Agenda   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 March 2006; 9:23:40 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (3 responses)

Re-organisation and Renewal on the Agenda

A number of major developments focusing on the re-organisation and renewal of secondary and post-compulsory education are gaining much momentum across the State and many communities are developing strategic approaches to coordinating their resources to support young people. Earlier this week in the member's discussion forums, we reported on the Victorian Government's decision to sell its 29% share in the Snowy Hydro Scheme and use approximately 600 million dollars of the proceeds to fund capital upgrades for schools. The Age newspaper reported that: The state will spend nearly all of the $600-$700 million from the sale of its stake in the scheme on a capital works package to rebuild or upgrade school buildings widely described as the worst in the country. The money will go to up to 100 new and modernised schools, with a specific focus on decaying 1950s schools in disadvantaged areas. [Source: The Age] The Bendigo Advertiser reports that; Bendigo's secondary school councils will determine the future of a plan aimed at preparing the city's high school education system for the next 50 years. A business plan that would form the basis for four new schools has gained unanimous in-principle support at Kangaroo Flat and Flora Hill secondary colleges, which would be merged with Golden Square Secondary College to create two new schools. A steering committee developed the plan after Victorian Minister for Education and Training Lynne Kosky extended the invitation to regenerate Bendigo's secondary education system. The full story can be found here. [Source: The Advertiser] Over the course of 2006, the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN will be working closely with communities and governing bodies of all the education providers in the region to maintain the momentum developed in 2005 to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young people in our communities making the transition from school to work or further education. Related Links Regional Economies Forum All Schools Councils Forum 2005 Principal's Forum 2005 Education Scan Update Environmental Scan - Regional Planning "Three Pillars" members and Industry Forum 2005 Macedon Schools Planning Forum Posted by Bill Coppinger on 16 February 2006; 9:03:55 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (4 responses)

Wallan Secondary College

And so it begins.... Wendy Caramarco, Principal of Victoria's newest Secondary School welcomes the entire Wallan Secondary College Community with the College's first newsletter! It gives me great pleasure to welcome all Wallan Secondary College families to 2006, our first school year together, and to the first day of school for our foundation intake, the Year 7 class of 2006. Parent Newsletters are designed to provide ongoing communication and important information to parents, care givers, students and families. As we establish our new College and develop these lines of communication, I hope this Newsletter will be, along with the Student Planner, a major source of connection between home and school, and something parents will read and discuss with their student on a regular basis. Our first ever Newsletter provides vital information to all, prior to the commencement of the school year. I look forward to working with the whole College community as we start our journey together. Wendy Caramarco Principal, Wallan Secondary College To download the first school newsletter or see the latest pictures from the Picture Gallery, please point your web browser to the Wallan Secondary College Web Site. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 25 January 2006; 2:16:13 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Minister Kosky Welcomes Wallan Students and Community!

The newly established and rapidly growing Wallan Secondary College is conducting its first ever orientation day for students entering Year 7 in 2006. An historic day for the community of Wallan and the Shire of Mitchell! The Honourable Lynne Kosky, MP, Minister for Education and Training has written a letter to the Wallan Secondary College Community... Soon all the hard work that you as a community and we as a government have undertaken in the past few years, will come to fruition. You will have your own secondary school to be known as Wallan Secondary College...... To read the Minister's full message to the students, parents and community of Wallan Secondary College, point your browser to the Wallan Secondary College temporary Web Site. Related Links: Wallan Secondary College Image Gallery Wallan Secondary College Web Site   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 December 2005; 8:16:37 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Seymour THS in RACV Energy Breakthrough!

Congratulations to Students and Staff at Seymour Technical High School for their completion of the 2005 RACV Energy Breakthrough challenge. According to the Energy Breakthrough Website, Records were broken, thunderstorms threatened but stayed away and participants, spectators and organisers all enjoyed one of the most successful Energy Breakthroughs ever! Seymour Technical High School acheived; Overall R/Up in the Hybrid Powered Vehicles Section 1 B/C The team was the The General Trial R/Up in the Hybrid Powered Vehicles Section 1 B/C The team was the Commands Winner of Display & Presentation in the Hybrid Powered Vehicles Section 1 B/C The team was the Commands Winner of Display & Presentation in the Try-athlon B/C category. The team was Blackhawk Related Links: RACV Energy Breakthrough Country Education Project 2005 Energy Breakthrough Results Please note that all results are provisional until Wednesday when the Planning Committee will have verified all results.       Posted by Bill Coppinger on 29 November 2005; 9:39:43 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Schools to close over poor results

In a profound and challenging move in State Education, Carolin Milburn reports in todays Saturday "Age Online" that some state schools will be closed and their sites sold under a Bracks Government plan to fund major upgrades of schools. The report goes on to say: The draft policy is a dramatic departure from current practices where government schools get extra money to improve facilities or build new ones. For the first time in Victoria's 130-year history of state education, government spending on school infrastructure will depend on schools raising student achievement levels. The draft policy says the new method of funding was required to narrow the gap between underperforming and high-achieving schools. If schools want money for capital works they must first prove to the education department they have a plan to lift student results, according to the policy document, Capital Investment and Access Planning Policy. The Honourable Lynne Kosky, Minister for Education and Training was reported as saying she was in the final stages of consulting leading groups representing teachers, parents, school councils and principals and that she will release the policy within two weeks. For full details, follow this link the The Age Newspaper Online.[Login may be required] [Source: theage.com.au] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 19 November 2005; 8:46:25 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

CAREER EDUCATION LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS PROJECT

The Careers Services Section of the Federal Dept. of Education Science and Training [DEST] are inviting Schools to apply for 2006 Career Education Lighthouse Funding.  Applicants are encouraged to actively engage their Local Community Partnership (LCP) in as many ways as possible with their proposed Lighthouse project.   Please be advised that applications open on Monday, 10 October and will close on Friday, 4 November. Further information can be found at:  www.careerlighthouse.dest.gov.au Posted by Bill Coppinger on 10 October 2005; 5:56:09 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

New Reports for Vict Schools!

Earlier this week a new reporting system for all Victorian schools was launched by the Minister of Education and Training, The Honourable Lynne Kosky. The Minister said: As a parent, you need to know how your child is going at school. The State Government is introducing commonsense student report cards, written in plain English, which will give you a clearer picture of your child's progress against expected statewide standards. These report cards will enable you to understand how well your child is doing, with an A to E scale. They will also tell you what the school will do to improve your child’s progress at school and how you can help at home. This pamphlet explains the changes that we will begin introducing next year. [Source: SOFWEB] The State Government has established a detailed information site for Parents, Students and Teachers outlining the reasoning behind these updates. Reporting against statewide standards The report card will clearly tell you where your child is compared to the expected statewide standard. This means that no matter where your child attends school, he or she will be assessed against the same standard for the year level. This will be particularly useful when students move from school to school. Timeline for introduction According to the announcements, in 2006, schools can choose to take part in the new reporting process. All Victorian government schools must use the new report cards from 2007.   Copies of examples for both Primary and Secondary Schools can be downloaded from the Student Reports web site Related Links:   Download a sample Primary Student Report Card [PDF -126KB]   Download a sample Secondary Student Report Card [PDF -126Kb]   "A text only version of the Primary Student Report Card is available here.   "A text only version of the Secondary Student Report Card is available here. Student Reports Web Site      Posted by Bill Coppinger on 26 August 2005; 9:49:59 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Teacher Education Inquiry Begins

Representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training began appearing before the House Education Committee this week at the first public hearing at Parliament House, Canberra, for its major inquiry into teacher education. [Source: EdNa] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 31 May 2005; 9:35:27 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Castlemaine SC to be Enterprise Lighthouse!

Congratulations to Leah Sertori and Castlemaine Secondary College who have just been funded over Three Hundred Thousand Dollars by the Federal Government for their Enterprise Teachers for the 21st Century project! Castlemaine will become an enterprise learning community of international significance, the incubator of teachers for the new economy. Leah Sertori 2005 Posted by Bill Coppinger on 27 May 2005; 4:41:39 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

Investing in Our Schools Programme Underway

In the period 2005 to 2008, $700 million will be provided to State schools to help repair, replace or install new items critical to their school's overall needs. The focus will be on delivering projects which improve the infrastructure of schools in accordance with priorities identified by school communities ˆ parents, friends, the teaching profession and students associated with the school. $300 million will be provided to less well-off Catholic and Independent schools through the Block Grant Authorities (BGAs). The Investing in Our Schools Programme commences in 2005 and will continue until the end of 2008. The Department of Education, Science and Training will be accepting applications from state government schools from April 2005. Applications may be submitted online from 4 April 2005. Closing dates for submitting applications in 2005: 31 May 2005 for grants of $50,000 or less; and 2 August 2005 for grants greater than $50,000. [Source: DEST] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 8 March 2005; 11:00:51 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

District Principals meet

Anne McLennan, Deputy Chair of the Central Ranges LLEN, Director of Community Services for the Macedon Ranges Shire and one of the founding members of the CRLLEN, welcomed School Principals and their representatives from the Government, Catholic and Independent schools in all three shires, to a two-hour forum at the Kilmore Trackside today, Friday, February 18th. The purpose of the day was to involve School leaders from across all three Local Government Areas in a focused discussion on how young people in our community are faring when they make the transition from school to work or further study. Principals were able to review new research completed by the CRLLEN and consider possible whole-of-district responses to key issues facing each of their school communities. The Education Scan Update outlines the key educational statistics and issues across each of the communities within the CRLLEN region and provides assistance to planners within each school. Principal of Kyneton Secondary College and one of the founding members of the CRLLEN, Mr. Geoff Barrett, outlined to the assembled Principals the work of the LLEN over the last two and half years, highlighting the LLEN's focus on supporting schools and their communities to address key issues. Geoff challenged the assembled forum to consider how best to collaborate with local business and industry partners and how best to collaborate to improve outcomes for all the students served by the schools throughout the Shires. Over a working lunch, Principals participated in a workshop run by David Levens and John Stafford of Glenlyon Rural Education Services. The workshop identified common strategic issues faced by all school communities and will be the basis of further discussions over the coming months. Each Principal was provided with a detailed individual school report as well as the twenty-nine page Education Scan Update. These documents, when combined with the previously published Environmental Scan of 2004, provides some of the most detailed local information available to regional education planners. A proposal was tabled to convene the first ever all-schools school council meeting in April of this year.   The Principal's Forum gave in-principle support [no pun intended!] to this important planning meeting and all have committed to consider and respond to the proposal within the next ten days. Represented at the forum today were: Kyneton SC, Alexandra SC, Broadford SC, Seymour THS, Yea HS, Sacred Heart, Kyneton, Assumption College, St Mary’s College, Braemar College, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Seymour Special School, Broadford PS, Maryborough Community Education Precinct. [Observer] The Board of Directors of the Central Ranges LLEN extends it thanks to the School Principals for supporting the forum and look forward to further constructive collaboration in the months ahead. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 18 February 2005; 11:07:56 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Award for Excellence in Career Teaching 2004

The 2004 Australian Careers Service (ACS) Judith Leeson Award for Excellence in Career Teaching is calling for nominations. This year the award is to be called the 2004 Australian Careers Service (ACS) Judith Leeson Award for Excellence in Career Teaching in recognition of the 50 years Judith has spent working in the education and career sectors. The Award for Excellence in Career Teaching is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training and, as the new name indicates, it is the achievements of individual teachers that are being acknowledged. Nominations will be open from Friday 4 February and close at 5:00pm EDST on Friday 4 March, with finalists notified by 18 March. The Award will be for excellence in career teaching in the 2004 school year. For full details please point your browser to the ACS site and view the Awards page. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 February 2005; 11:07:30 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

RACV Energy Breakthrough Nov 25-28

What an atmosphere? It's the best!! Everything that is great about education happens at the RACV Energy Breakthrough. It's where kids come together to celebrate their learning. This huge camping event, held in Maryborough each November, is the culmination of a year of designing, constructing and testing vehicles. The RAVC Energy Breakthrough is more than an event it is a new way of learning. The Breakthrough is an initiative of the Country Education Project and is sponsored by the RACV, Holden and the ANZ Bank. To read the full story, follow this link Posted by Bill Coppinger on 10 December 2004; 12:32:36 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Later Years Conference 2005 announced..

This is advanced notice of a combined initiative of Loddon Campaspe Mallee Region and Goulburn North–Eastern Region in conjunction with the regional Local Learning and Employment networks to present 'Up, Up and Away' The Later-Years in Schools Conference 2005. Place: Rich River Golf Club, Moama, New South Wales Dates: Sunday May 1 & Monday May 2, 2005 Information including a full program, registration forms and costs will be circulated in February, 2005. An information brochure can be downloaded here [ 188KB] Contacts: Loddon Campaspe Mallee Region Graeme Lynas (03)5440 3110 Email: lynas.graeme.f@edumail.vic.gov.au Goulburn North Eastern Region Andrew Dohrmann (03) 5761 2117 Email: dohrmann.andrew.w@edumail.vic.gov.au   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 December 2004; 8:24:01 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Possible National Enquiry into Teaching of Reading.

Education Minister Brendan Nelson told 'The Age' he was considering holding the review after 26 of Australia's leading literacy researchers wrote to him warning that children were failing to learn to read, because the main teaching method in schools, the whole language approach, was ineffective for many and had no scientific credibility. [Source: Edna] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 8 November 2004; 12:18:17 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

Minister meets CEP Round-table Forum

On Friday, November 5th 2004, approximately 40 participants from rural and regional Victoria attended the Post Compulsory Education Round-Table hosted by the Country Education Project [CEP]. Phil Brown, Executive officer of the CEP, welcomed all participants. A number of presentations were made over the course of the morning session, these were: Phil Brown: CEP Current participation of young people in post compulsory learning opportunities within rural communities John Spiering: Dusseldorf Foundation How young people are faring in Australia Trish Corrie: On Track The destination issues facing rural young people from the On Track project. Glen Maggs: Centre for Workplace Culture Change The exploration of the above issues on rural communities, their challenges and the possibilities for the future. From 11.00am the facilitator, John Stafford, conducted a Principles Discussion Group, exploring key principles underpinning the development of a ≥flexible learning approach≈ for young people over the age of fifteen years within rural school communities. This discussion expanded in to looking at future provision scenarios. Prior to the conclusion of the morning session, the Honourable Lyn Kosky, Minister for Education and Training joined the forum to meet with participants and discuss issues relating to post-compulsory education in rural and small communities. Mr. Henry Ellis, Deputy Chair of the C.E.P welcomed the Minister and encouraged participants to share the work of the morning session with her. The facilitator, John Stafford, outlined to Minister Kosky the morning's discussion, with the Minister engaging constructively in discussions. The Minister outlined her commitment to post-compulsory reform and was interested to hear from participants. The Minister asked and answered questions with the forum for approximately 30 minutes. All agreed the round-table was an important first-step in broadening the thinking about the models for post-compulsory provision in rural communities and all participants agreed to pursue the agenda further in 2005. The CEP will be circulating the presentations made at the forum, along with a record of the day. The CRLLEN will post this on to our web-site when they become available. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 November 2004; 11:32:55 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Careers Lighthouse grants available

The Careers Education Lighthouse Schools Project is a new 'DEST' initiative which aims to support leaders in school career education programmes, and promote these best practice models to other schools. Schools that are just starting out in delivering career education and want to trial new and innovative approaches, will also be able to apply for funding. Up to 50 lighthouse schools will be funded under the project. The Central Ranges LLEN encourages our partner schools to consider a cluster submission. For more details and application forms, follow the headline link above. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 13 October 2004; 1:26:19 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (4 responses)

Young People's Future OnTrack!

This is a reminder that the Regional briefings for 'OnTrack' are occurring in Benalla and Bendigo over the coming weeks. The sessions are open to anyone working in the field. The briefings will be conducted in conjunction with Professor Richard Teese and Dr John Polesel of The University of Melbourne's Educational Outcomes Research Unit Benalla: DE&T Regional Office - Benalla, Thursday 14th October, 10.00am-12:00pm Bendigo: DE&T Regional Office - Bendigo, Friday 22nd October, 11:00am - 1:00pm On Track has finished contacting students who left school in 2003 On Track destination data for students enrolled in year 12 in 2003, complements information on student performances in VCE. This is the second time such comprehensive information about post school destinations has been collected and published anywhere in Australia. Before On Track data was available, there was strong focus on an ENTER score as the only measure of the success of our school education system. On Track adds to the information previously available to parents and the Victorian public, by highlighting the diversity of pathways young people pursue after leaving secondary school. We encourage you to consider attending this important forum. To view the CRLLEN On Track Section, please go here Contact Graeme Lynas Ph. 0354403110 [Bendigo-Loddon, Campaspe Mallee] Contact Andrew Dohrmann Ph. 0357612117 [Benalla-Goulburn North East] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 12 October 2004; 9:33:25 AM from the School Education dept. Discuss (1 response)

Year 12 - What Next?

A new Australian Government website and guide have been launched that will help more than 200,000 Year 12 students across the country answer the question, 'What next?' This resource is designed to give students and their parents information about the available post-secondary options, which will assist them in their planning and decision making. The guide and its website highlight the range of rewarding, highly skilled and sought after positions available through vocational education and training, New Apprenticeships and university. 'Year 12 - what next?' will be distributed soon to every Year 12 student. 25 August 2004. [Source: Edna] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 26 August 2004; 4:57:11 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

New Research on Class Size -Is small beautiful?

The Australian Newpaper reports reducing class sizes does not improve academic performance at primary or secondary school level. The study, involving 1540 Victorian primary and secondary schools, shows that academic achievement is unrelated to the number of students in the class. "On almost all tests, class size was rarely important," the study, conducted by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, and obtained by The Australian, concludes. US economist Eric Hanushek, a key-note speaker at the Making Schools Better summit in Melbourne, says his analysis of several hundred US studies of the effect of class size found the evidence was inconclusive. The full class-size report will be released tomorrow [Thursday 26th August] at the summit, which is organised by the Melbourne Institute, the University of Melbourne and The Australian Newspaper. As part of this discusison topic, the CRLLEN has and will add a number of links to existing research on this often highly contentious issue. [Source: www.theaustralian.news.com.au] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 25 August 2004; 3:04:39 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss

Funding Models disadavantage Rural Students

Minister Lyn Kosky today discussed the results of the Victorian OnTrack research and the implications it has for school funding models. This is a transcript from The World Today. The program is broadcast around Australia at 12:10pm on ABC Local Radio. You can also listen to the story in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA formats. Renewed debate over skills shortage A second programme on The World Today was also particularly relevant for CRLLEN members. According to Eleanor Hall, A new study claiming a skills shortage facing Australian industry will cost the country billions of dollars, has sparked renewed debate between the major political parties about the way to address the problem. This is a transcript from The World Today. The program is broadcast around Australia at 12:10pm on ABC Local Radio. You can also listen to the story in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA formats. [Source: ABC - The World Today] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 27 July 2004; 9:36:39 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (4 responses)

On Track Data shows growth!

On Track 2004 destination data was released today by the Minister for education and Training, The Honourable Lyn Kosky. The data refers to students enrolled in Year 12 in 2003. This is the second year that such comprehensive information about post-school destinations has been collected and published anywhere in Australia. Until now there has been a strong focus on an ENTER score as the final result of our school education system. OnTrack adds to the information previously available to parents and the Victorian public, by highlighting the diversity of pathways young people pursue after leaving secondary school. The Central Ranges LLEN notes improvements across the board in all data relating to schools in the shires of Macedon, Mitchell and Murrindindi. The staff and students in these communities are to be congratulated. As an exercise in interpretation, it is interetsing to note the two headlines below; The Herald Sun views the data in an article here, Future brightens for school leavers! The Melbourne Age views the data in an article here, State schools lose race to uni The public data for the state, including all schools can be downloaded from here [Source: OnTrack 2004] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 26 July 2004; 6:12:15 PM from the School Education dept. Discuss (2 responses)