Facing the Facts: A review of Public Education in Western Australia

Abstract

Last year the SSTUWA commissioned an independent review into the state of public education in Western Australia, with a particular focus on the changes that have occurred since 2010 and the effects they have had on teachers’ professional standing, workload, roles, and responsibilities. The explicit request was to suggest measures to improve teachers’ working environments and job satisfaction so that more choose to stay in the profession and others see teaching as an attractive career. In addition to receiving submissions from teachers, school leaders, parents and professional associations, members of the Panel appointed to undertake the review travelled throughout Western Australia and met with staff, parents, and community members to discuss their responses to the terms of reference. We were impressed by the dedication teachers and school leaders showed toward their students and their deep concern about the detrimental effects of some recent education policies. They were keen to offer solutions. In addition, the Panel examined peer-reviewed research relevant to the terms of reference as well as numerous government documents and inquiry reports. As Chair of the Panel appointed by the SSTUWA to conduct this review, I am pleased to present the final report, Facing the Facts: A Review of Public Education in Western Australia. You will find that we are agreed that significant change is urgently needed if we are to continue to provide quality public education suitable for all students and satisfying and rewarding careers for teachers in Western Australia. We also believe the recommendations we have made are practical and achievable. I would like to place on the record my sincere thanks to my colleagues on the Panel: Scott Fitzgerald, Colin Pettit, Robyn White and Pam Pollard, Executive Officer to the Panel. Their commitment to the task and their invaluable educational experience made our deliberations engaging and productive.