Professional issues update
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 6, 23 August 2024, page 10.
Putting Queensland Kids First
In June, Queensland Premier Steven Miles launched Putting Queensland Kids First (PQKF), with more than $501 million in funding to implement it. The QTU has since met with the Department of Education (DoE) to discuss what this announcement will mean for state school teachers and school leaders.
Although various initiatives form part of the announcement, the following elements were highlighted.
- GPs in schools − This round of GPs in schools will focus on the primary sector, with approximately 20 locations identified. Unlike GPs in secondary schools, where students have the autonomy to book their own appointments, in the primary context clinics will be family focused, with parents able to schedule appointments, and it is expected that support will extend beyond the individual student to assist families in need.
- Behaviour specialists – 85 behavioural specialists will be recruited to support the whole school, with the intention of assisting students to engage in learning. The role is intended to work with stakeholders on assisting students to engage with learning, however at the time of writing role descriptions have not been provided to the QTU.
- Family support coordinators – The intention of this role it to support students and families in the transition of students to prep and the early years of schooling. This will be a wraparound service and is likely to become a cluster position, not attached to one school. This position is in the early stages of development and consultation is about to begin.
- Playgroups – There will be additional funding for playgroups to enable them to provide a soft entry into early childhood education.
Joint Statement on the Purpose and Use of Data review
The QTU and DoE have a set of joint statements that represent an agreed or shared expectation regarding a range of matters. The joint statements are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.
The QTU has now begun the process of updating and reviewing the Joint Statement on the Purpose and Use of Data. At time of writing, the review is in its initial stages, with a preliminary sweep checking that the language in the document reflects current terminology. The review will also take the findings of the teacher and school leader workload survey into consideration. Additionally, the QTU will be seeking feedback from its members through its democratic structures.
V9 Australian Curriculum
Resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum continue to be released within the DoE identified timeframes, with a somewhat mixed response from QTU members.
There has been an increase in queries regarding the release of resources, such as assessments. However, as has been previously communicated to members, implementation of V9 has been delayed until 2025 and should only be occurring in instances where consultation and agreement has occurred. Additionally, there has been an increase in queries regarding access to additional TRS to support the implementation of V9. School leaders are encouraged to contact their school supervisors to seek approval for the release of additional TRS time.
P-12 Framework review
The P-12 CARF is currently under review, to enable kindergarten to be included in the framework. This DoE internal review process is coming to its conclusion, and it is expected that consultation with the QTU will begin in August or September of this year. The change to the framework is intended to ensure consistency across state-delivered kindergarten, eKindy and hospital kindy requirements.