AUSTRALIA 

Mark Scott sets out NSW's education priorities

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the new head of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott, has laid out his plans for reform. He believes that education in NSW is 'moving in the right direction'. Addressing Fairfax Media, he stressed the need for a shift towards evidence-based teaching in one of his first official meet and greets since taking his post in September. He intends to support NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli's stance on Gonski funding which continues to ruffle feathers in Canberra with Federal Minister Simon Birmingham.

Walgett Community College, the 'worst school in the state' gets a fresh start

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that one of the most disadvantaged schools in NSW has been given a new start – moving into $9.2 million school facilities. The incidents the school has dealt with, such as a viral video of girls attacking another student in a classroom last year, revealed the ingrained problems. Walgett Community College has since had crisis meetings with members of the Ministry which has resulted in further violence as police became involved, moving onto the premises. Adrian Piccoli, NSW Education Minister, publicly declared that it was 'the worst school in the state.' Perhaps, though, there is a brighter future ahead, with students able to make use of the excellent new facilities. Trent Graham, the acting head of teaching learning, stated that the staff saw the renewed facilities as a 'positive opportunity to continue the change'.

Qld child safety stats 'not good enough'

News.com.au reports that the Queensland Government is not pleased with latest child safety investigation figures. According to the statistics, investigations commencing within set time frames fell from 37 per cent in the March quarter to 35 per cent in the June quarter. Shannon Fentiman, Child Safety Minister in Queensland was disappointed by the figures. Behind the drop was the growth of child safety notifications. 'In raw number, we've actually completed more investigations on time, but because we're dealing with more the percentage has dropped slightly,' she said. The LNP's child safety spokeswoman has called for Ms Fentiman to be sacked, saying that 65 per cent of children were waiting for someone to 'come and knock on the door.'

Melbourne high school teacher says she would refuse to teach ‘lewd’ safe schools and respectful relationships program

The Herald Sun reports that one Melbourne high school teacher will refuse to teach material from the Victorian Government's new respectful relationships curriculum that will be rolled out in state schools next year. The mother of three and teacher, Moira Deeming, was disturbed by the content and said she would rather be fired from her position than teach 'such sleazy, unnecessary drivel'. The program is focused on breaking down gender stereotypes and reducing gender-related violence and sexual violence but Ms Deeming believes that the program which discusses gender identity and pornography, will fail to achieve its aims. James Merlino, Victorian Education Minister stands by the program and has criticised opponents for 'playing politics' over the serious issue of violence against women.

Children should be starting preschool at 3, Victoria University study says

ABC News reports that a study released by Victoria University recommends that children start preschool at three. The current agreement between the Federal Government and the states and territories has seen preschool offered to four-year-olds. However, Victoria University's Dr Stacey Fox has said that evidence from OECD countries that have extended preschool show that academic outcomes have improved.  'We've looked across the international research literature. We've spoken to preschool teachers and child development experts in Australia and there's an overwhelming consensus that two years of preschool gives children the best start,' Dr Fox said. Simon Birmingham, the Federal Education Minister has welcomed the conversation about extending preschool.

INTERNATIONAL

US: Female private school teacher 'plied student with vodka and Jamaican liquor before having sex with him'

The Mirror reports that a female teacher has solicited a sexual relationship with a student after drinking alcohol with him. The relationship began between teacher, Alicia Bromfield, and the 16-year-old via Snapchat. She allegedly picked him up and took him to her apartment where she plied him with vodka and Jamaican liquor. The pair then watched a film and had sexual relations. Bromfield was arrested last week after senior staff at the school alerted child welfare workers. She had reportedly admitted to the illicit relationship and her account was recorded.

US: Student knocks out his classmate after the boy punched their female teacher in the face

The Daily Mail reports that a video has gone viral which shows the moment one protective student knocked out a classmate who had attacked their female teacher. The footage shows the teacher trying to break up a fight between two students, when one of the boys turns and hits her in the face. The teacher stumbles and then leaves the classroom. A third student punches him in the head, knocking him to the ground. Then, a third student comes in and punches the boy in head, sending him straight down to the ground. The school in which the incident took place has not spoken out since the video was leaked.

US: How meditation is making a "huge difference" in one Baltimore school

CBS News reports that a Baltimore school is reaping the benefits of a calming meditation practice. The students begin each day with a mindful moment – a 15-minute combination of yoga and meditation. Twice a day more than 300 students take part in the 'mindful moments' program. The Principal, Carilliam Thomspon believes it has made a huge difference. The school has had zero suspensions since instigating the program. When children fight in class or on school property, they are sent to the 'mindful me' room, not the principal's office where they are encouraged to peacefully communicate and solve their conflicts.