Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

32 Oct 09
Partnerships
Smarter Schools
National Partnerships
Over 500 Victorian Government, Catholic and independent schools are set to receive a share of $325
million dollars to boost student outcomes and improve the quality of schooling under the new Smarter
Schools National Partnerships.
The Smarter Schools National Partnerships focus on improving
schooling in three key areas:
• Low socioeconomic status (SES) school communities
• Literacy and numeracy
• Improving teacher quality
The Commonwealth Government is providing funding of $325 million
for the partnerships over seven years, with the Victorian Government
making a similar investment over this period. Investment will support
Victoria’s ongoing reform of school education and the priorities in the
Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development, including to:
• strengthen public confidence in a world-class school education
system;
• improve outcomes for disadvantaged young Victorians; and
• integrate services for children and families.
Under the partnerships Victoria’s three school sectors will work together
to develop and implement reforms and to share learning and best
practice. With the benefit of partnership funds, DEECD, the Catholic
Education Commission of Victoria, and the Association of Independent
Schools of Victoria will seek to implement a range of school
improvement strategies. These include developing teacher and school
leadership capacity and quality, and collecting and analysing student
data to improve teacher practice and engaging with parents, families and
wider school communities.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike is expected to launch the final
Victorian implementation plan for the Smarter Schools National
Partnerships in November 2009, following a formal co-signing of the
bilateral agreement for the partnerships with Deputy Prime Minister
Julia Gillard.
About partnerships
The Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership will deliver sustained
improvement in literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students,
especially those who are falling behind. Key initiatives include:
•
Building teacher and school leadership capacity through support
from literacy and numeracy coaches and professional learning
programs focusing on literacy and numeracy.
•
Resourcing for schools to provide intensive literacy and/or
numeracy intervention and support for students performing below
the expected level.
The Low SES School Communities National Partnership aims to
address the diverse education needs of students in low SES school
communities, and to support sustained improvement in their
educational outcomes. Initiatives include:
•
School partnerships with the community and business to address
barriers to students achieving their education potential.
•
Family Partnership Coordinators to build the capacity of schools
to develop strategies that will better engage families in their child’s
learning.
The Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership will deliver
system-wide reforms to attract, train, develop and retain quality teachers
and school leaders. Initiatives include:
•
Establishment of specialist centres such as the Bastow Institute of
Educational Leadership, the Teacher Education and Leadership
Centre, and the Centre for Leadership and Professional Learning.
•
Further developing and enhancing the performance and
development and improvement frameworks.