From the VP: Reforms need resources
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No number, day Month Year, page no.
Queensland’s hard-working high school teachers and school leaders have been undertaking professional development and planning to ensure a smooth transition into the new syllabuses and assessment approaches being implemented as a result of the Queensland Government’s senior assessment and tertiary entrance (SATE) reforms. As the 2019 school year and commencement of year 11 studies approaches, it is essential that the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the Department of Education listen to and address the workload and resourcing concerns being raised by QTU members across the state. Communication is the key when implementing any reform. The QCAA and the Department of Education have produced a suite of resources to support schools with implementation. It is also very important that QTU members communicate directly with both the QCAA and DoE about additional support they may require, such as: resources to accompany syllabuses help to transition to new assessment and confirmation approaches additional release time or staffing to alleviate the workload intensification for individuals involved in implementing multiple new syllabuses in some cases, teaching a number of programs in the one room to students across years 11 and 12 in very small schools or schools with small subject enrolments. Speaking up and asking for additional resources or support to ensure that students are getting the very best opportunity to succeed in the new system and to maintain confidence in the current system for 2019’s year 12 students is the professionally responsible thing to do. The QTU is working closely with DoE to identify needs at the local level. In some cases, this involves providing flexible approaches to collegial or cluster planning and professional development opportunities. In others, it is about ensuring that experienced staff are working with new and beginning teachers to build confidence and understanding. In a range of schools, there has been a clearly identified need for some short-term additional staffing or access to relief teachers, and in these cases, the QTU has been active in facilitating conversations about the best way to make this happen. There is additional workload to be expected in implementing any large scale education reform; Queensland teachers and school leaders are well aware of this as Queensland nears completion of the implementation of the Australian Curriculum. But it is only fair to expect that respect be shown to those doing the work – and this respect is shown through the provision of quality support and adequate resourcing. No one should be made to feel as though they are not up to the task if they ask for help. No one should have their concerns dismissed. It will never be good to enough to be told to “just get on with it”. The coming months and years will bring their challenges for school leaders and teachers of senior students. The QTU is there for you and will work with you to ensure your voice is heard. It is in no-one’s interest to mute the concerns raised by dedicated professionals, and the implementation can only be made stronger through the advocacy of QTU members - both experienced and new to the profession - for the help and support to ensure the successful transition to the new system. Sam Pidgeon Vice-President