Education | October 22, 2024
State education system failing teachers and students
A Parliamentary inquiry has recommended the state government introduce short and long-term targets to lift student learning outcomes after data revealed 30 per cent of Victorian students are failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards.
The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into the state education system in Victoria found that Victoria’s state education system is failing students and teachers due to an overcrowded curriculum, inconsistent learning practices and ongoing staffing shortages.
Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, said Victoria’s state education system was operating under increasing pressure, fuelled by a teacher shortage crisis and ever-growing administrative burdens.
“Our hardworking teachers are overworked and suffering burnout, with a clear lack of direction from the education department and state government,” she said.
“Despite being aware of a projected 5000 teacher shortage, Labor’s targeted financial incentive scheme to attract and retain staff was mixed at best and divisive at worst, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“Our principals are struggling to put teachers in front of classes and students are missing out, with those living in regional areas and the disability sector experiencing the greatest disadvantage.
“It is clear that the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model urgently requires updating to improve clarity and useability to help bolster declining student literacy and numeracy.”
The Parliamentary inquiry’s final report also recommends the introduction of a 40-word phonics check in grade 1 in all Victorian government schools, consistent with national best-practice.
It also recommends the Allan Labor Government provide a progress update within 12 months on the implementation of recommendations stemming from an independent review into the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority's VCE examination-setting policies, processes and procedures, following error-plagued VCE examination periods in recent years.
Ms Kealy thanked everyone who made submissions, presented at hearings, and provided insights to the inquiry, particularly from the Lowan electorate.
“The inquiry highlighted that too many students are slipping through the cracks and Labor must do better,” she said.
A copy of the full inquiry report is available here.
