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Media Release
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO UNDERTAKE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF YEAR 12 STANDARDS IN KEY SUBJECTS
23 September 2005 MIN 2007/05
The Australian Government will commission an independent comparative analysis of year 12 assessments throughout Australia.
The study will examine the content, curriculum and standards of year 12 assessment in English, Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
I have already engaged the Australian Council for Educational Research to develop an Australian Certificate of Education that will establish a nationally consistent high standard assessment of student skills and knowledge.
It is clear that standards vary from state to state. It is also clear that curriculum has been altered, in some cases to the detriment of content and standards.
Moves away from classical literature to emphasise contemporary texts is causing concern to many parents. Recent research of high performing year 12 students enrolled at the Australian Defence Force Academy which found only 1 in 6 could achieve a 70% rating in grammar, is but one cause for concern.
The proposed study will closely examine the facts to inform the Australian community.
Similarly, the International Centre of Excellence for Education in Mathematics, based at Melbourne University, has expressed deep concern about inconsistent and falling standards in year 12 mathematics across Australia.
The average Australian has a right to be informed about what is actually happening in our schools, what is being taught in key subject areas, how it is being assessed and how to meaningfully compare standards across State borders.
I will consult with peak educational groups in the five learning areas in developing the terms of reference for the study which will be the subject of Government tender.
I look forward to the cooperation of the State and non-government school authorities.
Although Australia performs well in international comparisons, as many as 30% of Australian children are leaving the school system with significant educational defects, especially in reading, grammar and spelling.
Further attempts to move away from the study of classical literature risks producing a future generation ill equipped for the inevitable adversities of life. As T.S. Eliot asked, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?”
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
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