Page 605 - Week 02 - Thursday, 22 February 2018
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The outcomes of the institute are very clear. Over my time in this portfolio I have now twice had the opportunity to recognise teachers attaining highly accomplished and lead status, as well as the expert teachers who assess people seeking this recognition. ACT teachers are doing way better than any others in schools across the country in establishing accomplished and lead status, with around 15 per cent of the national attainment, despite our having a significantly smaller number of teachers in the profession. The institute is making a very vital contribution to our teaching profession.
MS ORR: Minister, what is the government’s focus for furthering the teaching profession in the ACT?
MS BERRY: The government is working hard to support a strong teaching workforce in the ACT, and we trust our teachers. That work needs to continue and needs to be done alongside the profession to make sure that students are accessing the best learning opportunities.
Teachers and teaching have been an important theme of the future of education conversation, with some key insights that have already been shared. These include: “Teachers are the single most important resource to a child’s learning.” That was said by a school. “What makes us succeed is being surrounded by people, teachers and principals who encourage you but also push you to be the best that you can be,” from a student. “Free your teachers from the administrative burden of recording everything and allow them to teach in a way that engages children and provides them with a lifelong love of learning,” from a parent.
Over coming months I will be asking teachers to reflect on their work, on their profession and to consider what else needs to be done. I look forward to releasing a discussion paper soon about this and I look forward to encouraging teachers to be part of that conversation. As a quote from a parent highlighted, I am keen to look at how assessment and reporting can be aligned to what teachers know so that we can best support our students.
Public housing—Chapman
MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. I refer to your media release of 15 March 2017 in relation to the site selection of block 1 section 45 in Chapman for supportive housing. I acknowledge residents of Chapman in the Assembly here today.
In the media release you stated that the sites were selected for supportive housing to support “Canberra’s most vulnerable residents”. Minister, why are you placing some of Canberra’s most vulnerable residents within the bushfire-prone area?
MS BERRY: The development application has been approved by the planning authority, including ensuring that those homes will be built to the highest standard to ensure that they have the best fire safety standards, probably higher than some other residences in Chapman.
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