The Teacher Education Reform Unit in Professional Practice and Leadership Division (PPLD) landed the Excellence in Teacher Education reform package last week. The Deputy Premier announced eight reform actions which intervene at key stages of the teacher education life cycle. The reforms are a critical step in raising the bar in the way we select, prepare and develop our teachers. You can find out more in the PPLD section below.
When I met with RSG Executive Directors on 18 November, one of the things we discussed was the challenge we all face in finding balance between delivering both equity and excellence in the Education State.
A focus on equity is one way in which we guard against children, young people and their families feeling and being left behind. Education remains the strongest pathway for the advancement of both society and individuals, which is why we need to seek out opportunities for communities experiencing challenges. An amazing example of this is the Landfill Harmonic, literally seeing opportunity and creating beauty from rubbish. Through our work, we can help our teachers and principals lift families up, demonstrate hope and build respect for 'the other', thereby building a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Driving excellence for all students regadless of circumstance is equally challenging, especially when we consider the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for our future. Consider what was needed to design the self-driving car. This kind of innovation means shifts in the jobs and industries we know to ones we may not have thought of yet. The implications for what and how children learn through formal education is profound.
Our work with schools needs to be flexible, agile and adaptive. The leadership required to manage complex challenges like these is our collective responsibility, as we aim to make sure there are more winners than losers.
To view a video about the Landfill Harmonic, see: Landfill Harmonic YouTube clip
To get a peak at the self-driving car, see: Self-driving car YouTube clip
I'd like to welcome Karen Patten, the new Principal in Residence within PPLD. Karen is the principal at Antonio Park Primary School and has already contributed some highly valuable insights and support of the new teacher education reform.
This year marks the first festive season in the Executive Hub here at 2 Treasury Place for myself and my central executive colleagues. We are getting right into the spirit by kicking off the inaugural Festive Decorations Competition in the Hub.
We invite you all to visit, enjoy some treats and judge us on our decorating efforts. You can cast your anonymous vote on each Group’s pod from 5 December to COB 19 December. The winner will be announced on 20 December and published in Corporate News on 22 December. This is intended to be fun but I might be up against some serious competition so I need your support!
Bruce Armstrong
Deputy Secretary
Regional Services Group
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