Teachers could well be mystified as to why a ‘review ‘ of the national curriculum is warranted. Three years of consultation and development have taken place in NSW to realign NSW syllabuses with the Australian Curriculum.
Chief among many concerns is the time frame adopted. To assume wide consultation, redevelopment of syllabuses and planning can occur in 12 months is extraordinarily hopeful. Schools thrive on certainty and the review potentially erodes this. The fact that some 150 academics have questioned the ‘review’ should send a cautionary signal to the Education Minister. If, as reported, the purpose of the ‘review’ is to “consider the robustness, independence and balance of the Australian curriculum” the task is more than fine tuning. It also has the capacity to accentuate the differences between the various states and territories who have charge of implementing curriculum in their respective jurisdictions.
The delivery of education in NSW is determined by the Education Act and the implementation of curriculum is determined by the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Education Standards (BOSTES). The IEU has a position on BOSTES and actively works to represent classroom teachers. The IEU also has many practicing teachers participating in a variety of syllabus committees. The above processes provide certainty and predictability.
The IEU will engage with the ‘review’ but will do so based on the premise that the ‘review’ should not attempt to be a total dissection and realignment but rather a thoughtful process of oversight. Teachers will not be enamoured of wholesale change linked to a timeframe which is unachievable. Swamping a profession with ‘reviews’ can weaken its purpose.
Universities and the practicum
Catholic systemic schools have been asked to endorse the IEU’s position on the practicum adopted at last October’s Annual General Meeting. That is, the payment for supervision of trainee teachers must be increased from the current rate of $21.20 or in the case of one method in secondary schools - $12.45 to $39 per day. The IEU considers that the rates paid to supervising teachers should be increased in line with CPI movement since the practicum payments were
last increased.
The Union is recommending to members that they not accept student teachers on the current rates after the commencement of Term 2, 2014. Members should advise teachers coordinating the practicum in their school to tell the universities that they want to be paid in accordance with the IEU claim. The IEU has advised universities of our claim.
It is important to note that a new framework that sets out the expectations for high quality professional experience placements is under development. GTIL documentation indicates this will include clear expectations of all participants. It is also likely that employers will mandate online course developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership for teachers wishing to supervise the practicum. If the practicum is the central element of preservice teacher education it must be recognised appropriately.