Call for Territory to Abandon Gobbledegook Education Theories

The Territory Opposition has welcomed today's announcement of a new resource to help teachers deliver Indigenous Studies in Territory schools but warned that it will have little impact if more fundamental changes aren't implemented.

"First and foremost we need to ensure Aboriginal kids are attending school on a regular basis,” says Terry Mills, Leader of the Opposition.

"The current attendance rates are woeful and the single greatest impediment to improving education outcomes amongst Indigenous students.

"Attending school isn't optional, it's compulsory and that message needs to be driven home.

"Until regular attendance is achieved the Territory will not reverse the very poor, and in some categories declining, MAP performance for Indigenous students.

"Secondly we need to abandon the use of an Outcomes Based Approach curriculum in the Territory.

"This one time fashionable education theory has been abandoned as a failure long ago by comparable countries.

"A standards based approach, supported by a clear syllabus, should be adopted in the Territory.

"It would provide teachers with more time to focus on students by reducing the bureaucratic burden teachers labour under.

"School teachers' efforts are being undermined by a cluttered curriculum and there should be a cleanout of the many unnecessary burdens upon their time.

"Few parents understand the gobbledegook in school reports and standards based approach will allow for plain reporting.

"Our kids are as capable as any other but until there is a return to clearly defined standards, with a syllabus detailing what should be taught and a uniform marking system, many students will struggle unnecessarily.”

2008-04-02