Support for Tasmanian students with disabilities not adequate, survey finds
ABC Online reports that according to a recent Tasmanian survey of families with disabled children, nearly 61 per cent believe their child is not receiving adequate support at school. While 39 per cent felt support was adequate and was an improvement on previous years, the results still need improvement. State Education Minister, Jeremy Rockliff, said the government was improving education for students living with a disability stating, "We are investing more into that very key area in our public school environment and will continue to do so."
Hope, engagement and wellbeing linked to students' future success, survey finds
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that while politicians engage in debate over less than perfect NAPLAN results, there are some schools trying to take a lateral approach. These schools are focussing on student wellbeing, believing that a good education will follow. Over 10,000 students were involved in Gallup's Australian student Poll, which focused on measuring students' hope for the future, engagement in studies, and wellbeing. The survey found that 48 per cent were hopeful for the future, 59 per cent were engaged with their studies.
Students taught pseudo-scientific 'rubbish', experts warn
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that teaching style, Kinesthetic, is overused fad. The article examines the flawed theories that are used to produce learning styles such as Kinesthetic. This teaching style, is being promoted as best practice teaching by state education departments. The strategy, according to Professor Dinham, who has researched and advised on education policy for 40 years, is grounded in pseudo-science suggesting that is not helpful for the curriculum.
Diplomatic tensions as Italian and Greek phased out of school
Tensions are afoot in Melbourne's inner north, reports The Age. A Northcote school has axed Greek and Italian language classes from their departments. These being the languages most commonly spoken, outside of English, in the community. Parents are outraged, accusing the school of trying to brand itself as an elite state school, continuing to teach Chinese and French. In an unusual move, the Greek and Italian Consuls-General have urged the school to reconsider its decision. Education Minister for Victoria, James Merlino, will meet with those concerned.
Girls, children from Asian and wealthy backgrounds do more homework: survey
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a recent survey of 1628 children found girls, only children, students from Asian backgrounds, and wealthier families do more homework than average. Girls complete almost an hour more homework each week than boys, while those from an Asian background work two hours longer than the average--those whose parents earn more than $200,000 annually spend an hour more on homework compared to those whose household income is less than $80,000.
Secret Teacher: people think teaching is easier in private schools. They're wrong
The Guardian's Secret Teacher reveals the reality of teaching in private schools in this report. The insider has been teaching at a leafy private school but has found the transition tough, stating that her year 11 class was a shambles. From derogatory comments, to sexist remarks–all made by students. With other teachers brushing incidents of possible bullying under the rug, advising the Secret Teacher to let boys be boys.
Supreme Court blocks order to let transgender student use boys' bathroom
The Guardian reports that the UK Supreme Court has blocked a court order allowing a transgender student to use the boys' bathroom facilities. Gavin Grimm, who identifies as a male, will not be permitted to use the boys’ bathrooms until the supreme court decides whether or not to hear his challenge to the school board. The decision is disappointing for the teenager who will not be allowed to act consistently with his gender identity for the beginning of term.