[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Move to Ban School League Tables_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

GREENS MOVE TO BAN PUBLICATION OF SCHOOL LEAGUE TABLES

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Thursday, 27 August 2009
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today tabled legislation to ban the publication of
school 'League Tables' or school results in a way that ranks or
otherwise compares results of particular schools, a move called for by
the Australian Education Union (AEU), and the ALP state conference.

Greens Leader and Education spokesperson Nick McKim MP said that his
Education Amendment (Publication of School Results) Bill 2009, will
address concerns that the publication of the simplistic ranking of
schools based on attendance and national benchmark tests on literacy and
numeracy, will lead to unfair stigmatisation of some schools within the
community.

"The Greens recognise that fair and equitable access to education is a
corner-stone of a healthy society yet the publishing of simplistic
school rankings can entrench regional disadvantage," Mr McKim said.

"The publication of school literacy and numeracy results, known as
'league tables' leads to unfair and simplistic comparisons, have the
potential to dictate funding, and creates a rote-teaching culture with
teachers teaching to a general test rather than teaching to topic."

"The Australian Education Union, the State Parents and Friends
Association, the Tasmanian Principals Association, The Australian
Primary Principals Association, the Australian Secondary Principals
Association, and a range of national and international academics are all
against this practice due to the damage it can do to disadvantaged
schools and their communities."

 "Other countries' experiences have found that league tables are overly
simplistic and do not account for a range of other relevant factors such
as funding or absenteeism, and do not take into consideration factors
such as developing social skills, achievement in arts, dedication of
teaching staff, or challenges faced in disadvantaged socio-economic
areas."

"The UK has published league tables for 20 years but recently the
architect of that system, Dr Ken Boston, has stated publicly that it was
a bad idea, and had not produced any discernable benefits or any trend
to suggest that publication has improved the education system or that
funding is more appropriately allocated."

"The argument that publishing is a form of free speech is also
simplistic as those rights come with responsibilities, which is why
there are very appropriate restrictions on publishing racist, sexist and
other matters that are deemed detrimental to a healthy society."

Mr McKim also said that the Greens' Bill did not prevent school results
being provided to either the State or the Commonwealth in accordance
with any relevant national agreement, and therefore will not hinder any
federal funding arrangements.






Any opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual and not necessarily the Parliament of Tasmania. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, advise the sender immediately by using the reply facility in your e-mail software.


Warning: Computer viruses may be transmitted or downloaded onto any computer system via e-mail communication. It is the recipient's responsibility to take appropriate action to prevent computer viruses being transmitted In this way. Accordingly the Parliament of Tasmania disclaim all responsibility which arises directly or indirectly from such transmission of computer viruses.