Over the past two decades, Australian school students have suffered among the steepest and most consistent declines in achievement in the world. While much of the policy debate has focused on the need for increasing inputs to the system, efforts to improve outcomes have been far more limited. Much of the sector has been dominated by vested interests which have proven to be obstacles, rather than enablers, of system improvements.
However, there are signs that the direction may be improving. New agreements between the states and Canberra now include targets for performance and shared funding comes with shared obligations. There is a growing evidence-based teaching movement informed by the Science of Learning. Historically poor teacher education now has a greater emphasis on quality assurance. Phonics screening checks are now in place in every state, with numeracy screening promised in the coming years.
Will this be enough to deliver a turnaround in Australia’s education outcomes? Can whole-system reform be achieved? Can Australia replicate the success of the English reform model? Can education policy overcome its sole focus on funding?
