Key education issues in the media: expert responds

Teacher performance-linked pay, teacher performance generally and student achievement – these are three issues that are never far from the headlines. But are the debates founded on sound evidence or merely the thought bubbles of politicians and populist commentators?

We spoke to Professor Debra Hayes from the University of Sydney about these issues and more. She’s concerned that teachers are no longer considered the trusted professionals they once were, and is also sceptical about plans to increase ATAR-entry scores for teaching – further stripping universities of their prerogative to make judgements about who will and won’t make good teachers.

Professor Hayes also highlights one of the most important issues affecting Australian students’ international results – inequity.