Education in Western Australia: report of the Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Minister for Education in Western Australia, under the Chairmanship of Mr. K.E. Beazley
The terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry into Education in Western Australia included the examination of relevance of school curricula, acquisition of basic skills, adequacy of certification, adequacy of provision in general and for disadvanged or special groups in particular, parent and community participation, interaction between secondary and technical and further education, teacher preparation and employment and factors affecting girls' schooling. The Committee believes that broadly education should aim at the development of self-esteem, analytical thinking, inquiry skills, creativity, sense of responsibility and tolerance. The Committee's analysis shows that current patterns and processes of schooling in Western Australia, and ways in which they have been developed over the past decade or so, provide firm ground for constructive change. Though the Committee's recommendations, if implemented, will have far reaching effects on the schools and the community, its proposals must be seen in the light of the existing school situation. As regards lower secondary education, the Committee proposes that the present core and optional subjects offered at distinct levels be replaced by a clearly defined unit system. Another recommendation concerns the last two years of secondary education which overemphasizes the preparation for tertiary admissions examination. It is the school's responsibility to equip students not only for possible higher studies, but to give them a broad, general and relevant education. The Committee believes that educational authorities should ensure that all primary schools, regardless of size or geographic location, establish more standard policies and practices in regard to vital areas of the curriculum. The Committee fully supports the principles of relevance and self-determination claimed by the aboriginal committees and requests that a policy statement on aboriginal education be made. The Committee believes that a number of substantial improvements are required in the areas of migrant and multicultural education, girls' schooling and provision for isolated and disruptive students. Finally, the Committee has concluded that changes are required in the systems of financial assistance and urges to raise secondary student allowances in order to retain those who leave upper secondary school because of financial pressures. In view of society's present requirements, standards in literacy and numeracy are below acceptable levels and many students are poorly educated and even unemployable. The Committee is particularly concerned with the early identification of such learning difficulties and appropriate measures for overcoming them. The Committee recommends a number of ways for formalizing and strengthening links between secondary schools and technical and further education. The importance of computer education is fully recognized by the Committee. Changes in secondary school curricula have implications for certification and school reporting. The Committee puts forward a more comprehensive system of certification and reporting corresponding to students' needs and requirements of employers. One of the most contentious issues investigated by the Committee concerned the appraisal of staff performance. The Committee proposes a broader and more comprehensive system of teacher and administrator evaluation. An issue deserving special emphasis in the Committee's view concerns an active participation and involvement of the community in school activities. Another major concern of the Committee was related to the situation of disadvantaged children, that is those with language difficulties, poor home backgrounds both economically and educationally. In this respect the Committee feels that schools must make every effort to counteract these disadvantages. Handicapped children should be integrated as far as possible into the normal school setting. The provision for gifted children should be broadened with a variety of opportunities from which parents, children and schools can select
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | book biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Western Australia
|
| Subjects: | Academic standards, Community participation, Core curriculum, Cultural isolation, Curriculum development, Disadvantaged groups, Educational quality, Ethnic groups, Gifted students, Life skills, Lower secondary education, Migrant education, Primary education, Primary school curriculum, Secondary school curriculum, Teacher evaluation, Teacher selection, Technical education, Upper secondary education, Womens education, |
| Online Access: | https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000169098 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|