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August 18: School Governance Weekly Wrap

17/08/16

AUSTRALIA

Victorian school principals raise concerns over legal document promising protection from child abuse

ABC Online reports that school principals are concerned by the requirement to sign a legal document stating that they will keep their students safe. The new Child Safe Standards are a result of the State Government's response to the Victorian Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations and the Betrayal of Trust Report. While many principals agree with the changes to child protection laws, they do not believe signing the statutory declaration is the best next step.

Students from 71 Australian schools targeted by sick explicit photograph ring

News.com.au reports that over 70 students have been targeted by a perverse web page where users are disseminating lewd photographs. Young men use the site to report the area or school that they are phishing for nude photos from, as well as the girls they are 'hunting'. Wins are traded and bounties have been placed on certain women who are in high demand.

ACT government needs to act on increase in teacher assault figures in public schools

The Canberra Times reports that violence by students against the Territory's public school teachers is extreme and should be investigated by the Territory Government. The article provides figures that show a rapid increase of reported physical violence, with a 26 per cent jump in the past year and a doubling in the last four years.

Autism student in cage, now isolated and transferred from school

The Canberra Times reports that the cage scandal has taken a new turn. In 2015, a 12 year old boy with autism was isolated from him peers and placed in a cage. The ACT directorate has now defended its decision to separate him from his classmates, stating that it had to balance the rights to a safe environment for other students and staff. He was also transitioned early into high school, another move that has been backed by the directorate.

School funding slashed since 2012

NT News reports that nearly $1000 of funding per public school student in NT has been cut since the CLP took office in 2012. The new report, NT Schools 2012-2015, was commissioned by the Australian Education Union. AEU NT president Jarvis Ryan stated that remote schools have had cuts of 13 per cent. The greatest of all schools in NT. This, while Catholic schools received an increase of $1107 per student, with independent remote schools gaining $657 per student.

INTERNATIONAL

To prevent sexual assault, schools and parents start lessons early 

NPR News reports that colleges are hunting grounds for sexual predators, and high schools a breeding ground. The answer to stamping out sexually inappropriate behaviour, the article argues, is to start a comprehensive sexual education program in schools. In many cases, what may be influential for students who are fourteen or fifteen has lost its authority for older students who have already become disengaged.

No Child Left Behind has been unsuccessful, say bipartisan report

The Guardian reports that the No Child Left Behind education reform bill, an effort to improve American students' international competitiveness, has failed. The program was focused on bringing up their scores in reading and maths. Schools had stringent requirements. If they did not meet the standardised test level required they would be heavily penalised including being taken over.

The movement to bring back 'risky' play for children

The Globe and Mail reports that risky play is important for young students. Many academics, experts, and non-governmental organisations agree that play needs to change. It is too risk averse now. Parents and teachers are too afraid of involving their children and students in risky play and the kids are responding to this with fear. Canada is leading the way to re-introducing risky play.

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