Education Minister Jason Clare has unveiled plans to establish a new federal agency, the Teaching and Learning Commission, aiming to tackle rising public school dropout rates and improve educational outcomes across the nation.
In a recent address at Curtin University, Minister Clare highlighted a concerning decline in high school completion rates within public schools, dropping from approximately 83% to 73% over the past decade. He emphasized that while independent and Catholic schools have maintained or improved completion rates, public schools face significant challenges, particularly among disadvantaged students.
The proposed commission seeks to consolidate four existing federal agencies: the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), Education Services Australia (ESA), and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). By merging these bodies, the government aims to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic overlap, which has been identified as a barrier to effective educational reform.
Recent National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results indicate that one in three students are not meeting minimum literacy and numeracy standards, a situation described by analysts as a "code red" crisis. Education expert Glenn Fahey from the Centre for Independent Studies noted that Australia's education system has underperformed for two decades, with persistent issues such as poor student outcomes and inadequate preparation for new teachers.
The federal government's $16 billion funding agreement with state governments aims to address these issues by ensuring that resources are effectively utilized and that promised reforms are implemented. Minister Clare stressed that the new commission would oversee the allocation of funds and monitor the progress of reforms to support students who are falling behind.
While the proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, including think tanks and unions, its success hinges on securing approval from state education ministers. The next steps involve discussions with state leaders to gain consensus on the proposed changes.
The Teaching and Learning Commission represents a significant shift towards increased federal involvement in the traditionally state-managed education sector. If established, it could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Australia's public education system.
