(Public) Education Works Phase 2 - be warned.

Phase One – the amalgamation of 16 education sites to create 6 new ‘superschools’* is a clear investment in public education – real money - $134m was contained in the 2006/07 budget.

Phase two is a different matter. Many sites are considering amalgamations or closures under the umbrella of (Public) Education works.

A nominal $82m has been identified in the same state budget, but this money would be generated by sale of school/preschool assets and land. That is, there is absolutely no certainty that schools going down this path will be able to access the quantity of funding required to realise the dreams of the amalgamating school community.

Same old advice applies – proceed cautiously and get your commitments from DECS in writing before proceeding.

Every amalgamation ultimately means loss of leadership and administrative time. Autonomy of leadership in curriculum for specific age cohorts is threatened too.

The experiences of staff in some schools are that consultation is inadequate at worst and at best rushed. Get agreement about your consultation process.

* There has to be an alternative name.

Rumours

The Minister has received a bit of caning from cabinet over the state budget.

The Minister is furious to have been compromised by DECS inept advice….again.

Government is said to be reconsidering its approach to education issues following the union community campaign.

DECS leadership is concerned about anti union practices including lack of consultation with the union over key matters. Word around the traps is that DECS policy makers should be working more with the union because of the lack of talent and understanding within DECS to get it right.
Principal Associations struggling to find representatives for all the DECS working parties they are called to be part of.

National Testing for Years 3,5,7 and 9

State and territory ministers have agreed to implement the national testing regime called for by the federal Government.

The battle lines are drawn however because SA Minister Lomax Smith is on the record stating that the state government will not support the creation of league tables. Someone should tell Stephen Smith (and Julie Bishop) this. Labor federally seems more than willing to go down this path.

Stay tuned.