How sad but honest and such a relief to finally have some prominent educators finally saying publically how far Australia has to go in relation to meaningful, appropriate and relevant education.

For many years now, we have been increasingly disturbed at the ongoing and increasing trend for the Australian and State and Territory governments to be following trends from the UK and USA which have already proven to be ineffectual in quality and relevant and meaningful education.
We have witnessed the increase in schools across the country that are “teaching to the test”, as well as the fear we witness in some principals in some parts of the country because they are being pressured re “data and results” based upon inappropriate testing. Australia has an almost near obsession with data and results at the expense of quality, evidence based research. Evdience from across the world indicates strongly what is effective teaching and learning.
The article states, “we are headed for disappointment in the national testing program unless the current strategy is revised. It is astonishing that Australia is one of a handful of nations around the world that subjects it’s grade 3 students to nationwide, machine scored error prone testes despite the fact that a large majority of parents have high levels of trust in their local primary schools. The places we are now using as benchmarks have proved to false models. We copy against worst features, such as national testing that allows league tables…”

“An education revolution is about a long term approach that recognises the key ingredients for effective and sustained teaching and learning for young children.”
Some of these key ingredients include,
Highly qualified teachers
A pedagogy that reflects brain research, individual needs and takes pressure of teachers and children in relation to “data” and predetermined tests that are a “one size fits all” measure.
Active involvement and empowerment of students
Reflective practices and ongoing high quality professional development for teachers that is broader than how to teach to the test
Across the world now we have evidence based research and examples such as Finland that indicate what key measures, strategies and approaches best provide high quality teaching and learning.
The mindless and endless following by Australia of the USA and England shows a continuing immaturity across our country that we still idolize the US and UK as if somehow they have all the answers in education. In fact they do not.