17 September 2012

A slew of education policies from Labor

| johnboy
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Chief Minister Gallagher has unleashed three education policies all in a row.

We have refurb money for older schools:

if re-elected ACT Labor will commit $70 million to create the best learning environments for students and teachers in our older schools.

We will provide $45 million to build a new Primary School at Coombs in the Molonglo Valley to be constructed over the next four years and undertake forward planning worth $2.3 million for a future Moncrieff primary school.

ACT Labor will also continue to invest in our people, committing $4 million for professional development for our teachers to whom we entrust our children’s education.

Also money for disabilities and special needs:

if re-elected, ACT Labor will provide $10 million over four years to support students with learning disabilities, in both mainstream and special school environments.

And we will also provide more in-class support for teachers and students at risk by committing up to $12 million to maintain and expand the School Literacy and Numeracy Field Officer program.

And astronomy gets lumped in with tablets presumably because they’re sciencey and stuff:

If re-elected ACT Labor will fund $1.7 million for a student-focused Mt Stromlo Science Centre and Planetarium, to provide opportunities for students to connect to maths and science.

We will also increase the existing Secondary Bursary Scheme from $500 to $750 per student, per year to assist with the purchase of hand held or tablet devices.

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alllenthough said :

12 million for literacy numeracy field officers? What do they do for 12 mill a year, that’s a lot of teachers even at the top of the range with dept cost would surely cover 80 odd teachers. Could someone explain what the difference between special education and at risk and wether these officers help all kids as well as those with extra needs. Seems like they have just taken staff from schools put them into central offices and send them out to assist every time something gets into the media if you listen to staff at my kids school

Special education refers to children with mental or physical disabilities while from what I understand at-risk refers to children who are most likely to grow-up into violent criminals.

investment in education is a good thing, but with all these electioneering promises it would be good if they mentioned how they plan on paying for it.

alllenthough8:32 pm 17 Sep 12

12 million for literacy numeracy field officers? What do they do for 12 mill a year, that’s a lot of teachers even at the top of the range with dept cost would surely cover 80 odd teachers. Could someone explain what the difference between special education and at risk and wether these officers help all kids as well as those with extra needs. Seems like they have just taken staff from schools put them into central offices and send them out to assist every time something gets into the media if you listen to staff at my kids school

So where’s the Education Minister?

Gosh, and she gets cheerleading from the VC of ANU!

http://vcdesk.anu.edu.au/2012/09/14/act-election-announcements/

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