The new framework for ACT schools. Now with framework

The framework I released today entitled Excellence and Enterprise: Advancing public schools of distinction is the result of nearly a year of consultation with parents, students, teachers, school leaders and educational stakeholders in the government and non-government sectors.

The framework is a long-term approach to improving public secondary schooling in the ACT. At its centre are 11 key directions under three broad themes. These are:

Advancing distinctive public secondary schools

— Improve educational provision for students with high academic ability.

— Develop centres of specialisation and excellence to enhance choice, flexibility and diversity.

— Improve the provision of, and access to, high quality vocational learning opportunities.

— Improve the provision of education in school and community settings to support young people with behavioural issues and those at risk of disengaging, or who have already disengaged from education.

Flexibility, pathways and partnerships

— Develop clear learning pathways and improved transition planning across local schools and between schools and other education providers.

— Improve the quality and scope of career education in schools.

— Improve opportunities for parents and carers to participate and engage in school processes.

— Enable schools to adopt more innovative structures and use technology to support flexible approaches to learning.

Strengthening the system

— Establish a cross-sectoral committee to advise the Minister for Education and Training on the formation of a curriculum certification and regulatory body to monitor standards and ensure curriculum coherence from preschool to year 12.

— Plan for modern, flexible adaptable learning environments in all secondary schools.

— Enhance local decision-making through increased school and school board autonomy.