The report, Action Now: Classroom Ready Teachers, and the response cover five main areas:
- Stronger quality assurance of teaching courses;
- Teaching student selection;
- Improvements to practical experience;
- Assessment of classroom readiness; and
- Research and workforce planning.
“Australia has a strong teacher education system but this report makes it clear that improvements are needed if we are to stand with the world’s best,” said Chief Executive of Universities Australia, Belinda Robinson.
“The Advisory Group’s practical, evidence-based report provides a solid basis for reform that will give assurance to students, parents and the community that our children are being taught by world-class educators.
“The advisory group makes the strong point that creating great teachers isn’t an isolated task, it requires strong partnerships between universities, schools and Governments – both Federal and State.
“The decision to avoid imposing blunt, simplistic solutions to university teaching student selection is particularly applauded by the sector. By recommending that universities use a range of transparent academic and personal characteristics when selecting teaching students, the advisory group and the Government have demonstrated a commitment to best practice in the interests of parents, children, students and universities.
“Universities Australia has been working closely with the Deans of Education and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership on national measures to support teacher education quality and looks forward to further developing these.
“The Government has outlined a large and ambitious work plan and Universities Australia welcomes the opportunity to work with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and other bodies on its implementation.”
Ms Robinson also expressed gratitude to Universities Australia Board member and Vice-Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University Professor Greg Craven, who played a central role in the deliberations of the Advisory Group.
