Tuesday 31 July 2012

I give a Gonski...Do you? Should you?


I have previously posted about the Gonski report released in February. I feel it is imperative that it be followed up and not swept under the mat to save MONEY $$$$. EDUCATION is our future and it is well worth finding the money to pay for it.


For those who are not yet aware of this important educational report I offer some info:
Q. What’s the Gonski report?
A. "A report into education finding in Australia handed down today by a panel of experts, led by businessman David Gonski, who, among many other credentials, is the Chancellor of the University of New South Wales. This is the biggest review of school funding since 1973." from A Cheat's Guide to the Gonski Report 


"The Gonski report on funding education has recommended a new model for school funding that would mean all students are entitled to a set level of funding regardless of where they go to school, disadvantaged schools receive more funding, and taxpayer funding for private schools is adjusted down based on parents' capacity to pay." 
You can access and read the full report: 

Review of Funding for Schooling - Department of Education . (aka Gonski Report)


The Gonski report shares the view that "all students should have the same chance to achieve their very best despite their background or circumstances." 
I strongly recommend you do your own research, the full report is readily available online for everyone to read and a summary is located at the “I give a Gonski” website.

Suggested readings:

Newspaper article:  State adopts Gonski ideas

Newspaper article: When it comes to education, we're all class 
A sad reflection from the Gonski report  : "For a country that claims to be all about the 'fair go', we have an education system riven by inequality and class division."


News that Disability Education could be boosted by Gonski Report.
"The federal government is holding consultations on Australia's education funding model in the wake of the Gonski report. The report recommends a base level of funding per student which would then be scaled based on the level of disadvantage they face. Disability groups hope the findings, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, will provide an answer to under-resourced education for disabled kids."  Stephanie Gotlib

Executive Officer, Children with a Disability Australia appeared on Radio National Breakfast May 21 2012 


Screenshot

You can find some resources, including the factsheet: Five things you need to know; to increase your awareness of Gonski and his report at I give a Gonski?


Visit   give a Gonski | Facebook  Show your support. 

Thursday 26 July 2012

Why you need your school/ teacher librarian

Kimberly Shearer, an English teacher at Boone County High School, was named the 2012 Teacher of the Year on Oct. 18, 2011. During her year-long reign, Shearer is writing a monthly column for Kentucky Teacher that chronicles her experiences as a classroom teacher and as Kentucky Teacher of the Year.
Enjoy her latest post: Why you need your school librarian.


Enjoy this  further supporting article from Julie Greller (a Media Specialist at Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School  in N.J. and  has been teaching for 22 years) 
 The Teacher-Librarian is Your Best Tech Resource 
"The school librarian, once known for handling books, is now responsible for both print and nonprint resources....." 

The article: Librarians Can Influence Schools Through Professional Development outlines the even wider educational sphere teacher librarians can affect. 

See what the NSW Teacher's Federation site supplies on School Libraries.