To address a persistent equity gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students, the ACT Government will hold an independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy performance in public schools. Today it released a consultation paper for public comment.
The Consultation Paper includes 20 questions regarding literacy and numeracy that cover what students are taught; how they are taught; how students are supported; how staff are supported; and school improvement. There is also a short seven question survey.
The Inquiry’s Expert Panel is looking to hear from the ACT community, stakeholders, and education experts.
“This Inquiry is a real opportunity to review the evidence and provide practical recommendations to strengthen our great public school system,” Expert Panel Chair, Professor Barney Dalgarno said.
Responses are due by 14 February.
The government established the Literacy and Numeracy Education Inquiry to advise Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, on how to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students, with a particular focus on equity.
“We already know the ACT performs well compared to other jurisdictions, but this inquiry is a chance to review what is and isn’t working and look at success stories from around the world,” Ms Berry said.
“The ACT aims to deliver the best possible education for all our children and young people. I look forward to receiving the Expert Panel’s advice.”
The Canberra Liberals called earlier this year for an independent inquiry into literacy performance in the ACT.
Former education shadow minister Jeremy Hanson was concerned that literacy in ACT Government schools was underperforming, and had fallen over the last 20 years. According to the latest NAPLAN results, one in three Year 9 students did not meet proficiency benchmarks for reading; a quarter of students fell behind in spelling; and around one in 10 students were unable to read or write at the basic level. Mr Hanson said the ACT education system was letting down school teachers, and support and administrative staff.
Ms Berry defended the ACT’s literacy rates, but agreed to the inquiry. She maintained that the ACT was the highest performing Australian jurisdiction in reading literacy, as measured through international assessments PISA and PIRLS; and that the equity gap in reading had narrowed between 2018 and 2021. She acknowledged, however, that the equity gap in reading had widened since 2022, due to the sustained duration of the pandemic.
The Expert Panel held its first meeting yesterday and has reviewed the data and current practices in literacy and numeracy education, Professor Dalgarno said.
It will have a series of meetings, roundtables, and school visits in the new year to support their work.
“We will make time to visit schools, meet with experts, community stakeholders, and families, and hear from those working in and with the system,” Professor Dalgarno said.
“We have had initial meetings with principals and school system leaders which have informed the Panel about the diversity of ACT public schools. The Panel are looking forward to meeting with researchers and organisations in January before connecting with ACT school communities in February.”
