All Australian teachers will have the opportunity for an annual performance assessment under a new agreement reached by Education Ministers in Sydney today.

School Education Minister Peter Garrett said new Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework was agreed by all education ministers and will be implemented in schools across the country from next year.

“For the first time, teachers will be entitled to a yearly review of their progress, and will receive ongoing support and training throughout their career to help them become even better teachers,” he said.

“Every parent wants to be confident their child is being taught by a teacher who is dedicated, professional, and who is doing a great job in helping their students reach their full potential.

“Once implemented, the new agreement signed off today means that schools will offer their teachers feedback on their performance, based on evidence including classroom observation, parental and student feedback, and student results.

“Teachers will have to set goals for the year and will be helped to reach their goals. Those who are found to be under-performing or who need extra support will be given access to more training and development opportunities.”

The new framework will assess teachers against the National Professional Standards for Teachers. Copies of the framework are available at www.aitsl.ed.au.

Minister today also endorsed the Australian Charter for the Professional Learning of Teachers and School Leaders.

Non-government school regulation

Ministers today agreed to continue work on improving the regulation and oversight of non-government schools to ensure public funds are being used responsibly.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will work with other education departments on a range of issues including:

• A common definition of the not-for-profit requirement for non-government schools. The definition currently varies between states and territories which hinders joint investigations if any claim arises that a school is being run for a profit;
• Minimum requirements for ongoing viability, to help prevent school closures wherever possible;
• A clear and coherent definition of the required use of public funds to make they are being used as intended; and
• If the need arises, better methods of establishing joint investigations between states and the Commonwealth.

DEEWR will also ask the new Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission to provide advice on the definition of not-for-profit.

“We want to make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately and we take steps to minimise the impact on students’ education by the sudden closure of non-government schools which become unviable,” Mr Garrett said.

National Trade Cadetships scheme

Ministers authorised the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to develop the curriculum for the National Trade Cadetships scheme for Years 11-12.

This will build on the work ACARA has already commenced on the development of a Years 9-10 National Trade Cadetship pathway.

“This means that for the first time ever we are now working towards a vocational education and training curriculum for all students between Years 9-12 which can be recognised under the Australian Curriculum,” Mr Garrett said.

“This is great news for employers and business as we’ll see more young people entering the workforce with the skills and experience needed to reduce Australia’s skills shortages as they complete courses of quality and value which have been developed with industry.”