The information in the Weekly Wrap is aggregated from other news sources to provide you with news that is relevant to the education sector across Australia and worldwide. Each paragraph is a summary of the subject matter covered in the particular news article. The information does not necessarily reflect the views of Ideagen CompliSpace.

Australia

Australian Schools Plus Welcomes New Chair and CEO to Drive Education Impact

Australian Schools Plus recently announced the appointment of David Friedlander as its new Chair of the Board, replacing Angus James after his nine-year tenure as founding Chair. Sherrill Nixon has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Schools Plus. David Friedlander, Chairman of King & Wood Mallesons Australia, brings expertise in corporate governance and community engagement. The Educator's article highlights the organisation's impact on education quality and commitment to supporting disadvantaged schools through innovative teaching programs. Friedlander emphasises the importance of collaboration with stakeholders from both public and private sectors to scale programs effectively. The article also notes the achievements of Angus James and Rosemary Conn in raising funds and impacting over 500,000 children and young people across 1,500 school communities.

Families Turn to Second-hand Textbooks Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

The hunt for second-hand textbooks and school supplies has begun early this year, according to The Age, as families seek affordable options due to the cost-of-living crunch. Both second-hand sellers and school supply businesses are preparing for a busier summer, while not-for-profit organisations are working to support an increasing number of students in need. Families are already buying and selling used books, and parents are shopping for affordable tech and stationery. Not-for-profits are collecting donations to provide textbooks and technology to students referred by schools and community organisations. The demand for support services is expected to rise this year, as more families face financial pressures.

Innovative English Language Test Reforms ESL Learning

The Educator discusses the introduction of an innovative adaptive English language test, Envoy, created by IDP Education. Envoy uses a blend of linguistic expert knowledge and advanced AI technology to assess an individual's proficiency in English. The online assessment evaluates skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The new platform is designed to accommodate different curricula by adhering to the international language competencies framework. It also employs adaptive technology to cater to diverse learners' needs and competencies. Teachers will be provided with training and resources to properly utilise the tool, and measures have been taken to ensure the privacy and security of student data. The Envoy program will launch globally in December.

Reducing Disruptive Behaviour: Inquiry Recommends National 'Behaviour Curriculum'

A Senate inquiry has recommended the implementation of a national "behaviour curriculum" in Australian schools to address disruptive behaviour. According to the Herald Sun, proposed reforms include a shift from open-plan classrooms to traditional classrooms, increased presence of school-based psychologists, social workers, and behaviour specialists, and the introduction of explicit class-based instruction to help students understand behavioural expectations. The report also suggests fast-tracking support for beginning teachers, conducting annual national surveys on behaviour in schools, and prioritising strategies for addressing disruptive classroom behaviour in the National School Reform Agreement. The recommendations come as concerns over teacher training and classroom disorder persist, with Australia ranking low on the OECD's Disciplinary Climate Index.

New Framework for Monitoring Child Health and Wellbeing Established

The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 framework tracks the health and wellbeing of children and young people, InSight+ explains. Published in the Medical Journal of Australia, it aims to drive action and accountability, addressing inequities like child poverty, obesity, and maltreatment. It emphasises regular reporting, accountability mechanisms, and child-centric policy environments. The framework focuses on progress measurement, public action, evidence, and policy priorities. It also highlights the importance of addressing root causes and involving children and young people in decision making.

Teens Increasingly Concerned About Rising Cost of Living, Survey Shows

According to SBS News, a national survey by Mission Australia shows teenagers are becoming increasingly concerned about the rising cost of living, with 31 per cent of respondents claiming financial security as the most important issue. With the survey revealing that the economy and financial matters now rank as the most important concerns for teenagers, compared to previous years, the need for better access to mental healthcare services and support from family and friends is evident. The cost-of-living crisis is compounding other challenges faced by students, such as academic pressure and mental health issues. Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister commended the strength shown by young people in her recent statement: "Through our Youth Survey, young people have shown they care about issues facing Australia and themselves, are strong and resilient, diverse and very capable."

PISA Results Expected to Prompt More Reforms in Australia's Education System

A recent article in AFR explores the complex issues affecting Australia's education system. The article highlights issues such as declining student performance, outdated teaching methods, and social-economic disparities. The findings of the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) are soon to be released and will provide further insights into the academic performance of Australian students. The article mentions various contributing factors, such as ineffective teacher training, overemphasis on group learning, an overloaded curriculum, and unequal resource allocation. It also discusses the impact of geography and socio-economic background on educational achievement, particularly in literacy and numeracy. However, the article ends on a positive note, mentioning upcoming reforms to improve academic achievement, enhance student mental health, and reduce administrative burdens on teachers.

Education Minister of Western Australia Initiates Review of School Education Act, Apologising to Students with Disability

Education Minister of Western Australia, Tony Buti, has announced a review of the School Education Act, apologising to students with disability for "letting them down". Buti also announced there will be immediate support for teachers dealing with complex behaviours in students, according to WA Today. This coincides with the latest efforts to better safeguard students with disability and improve their access to, and inclusion in, the public system. The review, guided by autism expert Professor Andrew Whitehouse, is the first in 25 years. $2.26 million has been allocated to pilot 16 "complex behaviour support coordinators" for tailored and inclusive methods. However, securing full investment to address the needs of students with disability may be a challenge.

International

Controversy Over Mobile Phone Ban in New Zealand Schools

New Zealand's new Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has confirmed the implementation of a mobile phone ban in schools during his first 100 days in office, with an exception during breaks. This Newsroom article states that, according to a Horizon Research poll, 61 per cent of people support the ban, other than during breaks. Education Minister Erica Stanford stated that the aim of the ban is to reduce distractions and optimise class time. However, the policy has been criticised for undermining the autonomy of schools in decision-making. The debate around the role of technology in education continues, with some advocating for the importance of teaching students how to use technology responsibly, while others warn against its potential distractions.