Archived News for Education Sector Professionals - November, 2011
The Victorian Government has announced its planned education reform agenda after State Education Minister Martin Dixon delivered a lecture at the University of Melbourne, entitled Victoria as a Learning Community.
Mr Dixon said that as part of an increased emphasis on professional trust and autonomy for schools, the Victorian Coalition Government will develop a Compact with schools that will detail the responsibilities and expectations of the Education Department and of schools as part of a move to refocus the department as a support agency.
"In addition to a focus on professional trust, I want all members of the community to participate in strengthening Victoria's education system in order to lift student outcomes. This is what I mean by Victoria as a learning community," Mr Dixon said.
Chair announced for Victorian Institute of Teaching
The Victorian Government has appointed Don Paproth as the new chair of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
ABS releases education figures
Around three million Australians aged 15-64 (20%) were enrolled in a course of study in 2011, according to a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Funding determined by social inclusion
The Federal Government has announced it will target its Reward Funding for universities on lifting participation of Australians from low socio-economic backgrounds and other groups considered underrepresented, saving $240.8 million over four years, Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans said.
Government restarts Band 2 contributions
The Federal Government has announced it will reinstate Band 2 contributions for university students who enroll in mathematics, statistics and science courses from January, 2013, providing an estimated budget savings of $403.6 million over three years.
Victoria University targets improved research status
Victoria University has released its new Strategic Plan, setting itself the goal of becoming one of the top 20 universities in Australia for research, with an emphasis on applied and translational research.
NSW publishes apprenticeship completion report
The New South Wales Government has published it’s a report into the expections, attitudes and abilities of apprentices and their employers.
First Victorian maths and science specialists selected
The Victorian Government has announced the first 100 maths and science specialists to work in Victoria’s government primary schools. The specialists will be tasked with improving the standard of maths and science education in state schools throughout the state.
Macquarie University adopts new postgraduate degree structure
Macquarie University has announced it will adopt a new postgraduate degree structure from 2013, making it the first Australian university to fully align with European, North Americans and Asian qualifications. The decision follows a vote by the Academic Senate in favour of a new research training Masters degree consistent with the ‘Bologna model’.
Federal Government passes education support bill
The Federal Government has passed the Higher Educational Support Amendment Bill (No. 2) through parliament.
Queensland plans education trust fund
The Queensland Government is planning to implement nest egg legislation that will see Queensland children born after July 1, 2012 earn a trust fund valued between $7800 and $9500 by the time they turn 18.
New Vice-Chancellor and President for USQ
Professor Jan Thomas has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of South Queensland.
Government opens NBN education plan
The Federal Government has announced its $27.2 million National Broadband Network (NBN) Enabled Education and Skills Services Program, to support the development of online and interactive education and training projects.
Swinburne launches online only courses
The Swinburne University of Technology has announced that applications for its online only degree programs are now open.
GoodStart Early Learning launches
Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care, Kate Ellis and GoodStart CEO Julia Davison have launched the new GoodStart Early Learning brand at the newly reopened GoodStart centre in Indooroopilly.
Federal Government forms Office of Learning and Teaching
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the new Office of Learning and Teaching, which will be tasked with promoting excellence in learning and teaching in universities with funding of $50 million over four years for a Grants and Awards Program.
Online education expert joins Swinburne
One of the world's leading thinkers in online learning, Professor Gilly Salmon, has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning Transformations at Swinburne University of Technology.
University of Adelaide appoints new International Head
Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, have announced the appointment of Professor Kent Anderson as Pro Vice-Chancellor (International).
Record surpluses for Australian universities
The Federal Government has released a report into the financial health of the country's universities, finding record surpluses being posted by Australia's higher education centres.
VET fuels skills growth, but employment doubts remain
A report released by the COAG Reform Council shows a ‘significant improvement’ in the skills of the Australian workforce.
Professor Robson to lead standards development
The University of Western Australia’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, has been selected to lead the development of new standards to underpin quality in higher education, Minister for Tertiary education, Senator Chris Evans announced.