ACARA boss argues for improvement rather than change in Australian schooling, but one ‘passionate teacher’ questions this

Are Messrs de Carvalho and Lawrence that far apart? Both agree schools should produce creative, innovative, engaged, young people. I think they’d agree we need literate, numerate, knowledgeable students, quality teachers and a well-regarded teaching profession. And despite one bagging GERM both are comfortable looking internationally for inspiration. But they diverge on the matter of standards and standardised testing – even though they define them differently and see their impact differently. Having reasonable and challenging standards (expectations) of student performance while acknowledging not all students achieve at the same rate and time, should raise aspirations and lead to more differentiated learning opportunities. Having reasonable well-constructed tests measuring what is taught should not be used to bash teachers but, along with other teacher information help to reflect on how to improve teaching and learning. Standards focusing on BOTH discipline knowledge and creative thinking are critical for well-rounded citizenry – both need to be taught, assessed but not necessarily tested. With autonomy comes accountability, but it doesn’t mean using test data and silly metrics to hold teachers to account. Education systems are complex and arguments have to be nuanced.