The National Plan for School Improvement

Gai Brodtmann and I today welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister about the National Plan for School Improvement. Our media release is below.

Remember to complete my education survey to let me know what issues in education matter to you most.

Gai Brodtmann MP

Member for Canberra

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Government releases plan for Better Schools

The National Plan for School Improvement

All Canberra local schools will benefit under the Gillard Government’s National Plan for School Improvement. Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, and Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, said today.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard released the plan yesterday in response to the first comprehensive review of schools education undertaken in 40 years.

“We want to make sure every young Canberran has access to a great education. And we want to provide school principals and teachers with the support they need to deliver this, through better funding and resources, and ongoing training opportunities,” Ms Brodtmann said.

For the first time, funding for every school in Canberra would be calculated based on the needs of every student, in every classroom and will continue to rise under the plan.

“Our National Plan for School Improvement will give Canberra kids the best start so they can get the high-skilled, high paid jobs of the future,” Ms Brodtmann said.

“The National Plan for School Improvement isn’t just about more money – that’s why any additional funding will be tied to changes that improve the education students receive.

“That means putting the best teachers in Canberra classrooms, giving Canberra principals more power and getting better results for Canberra students.”

Gai Brodtmann said that Canberra schools and teachers were already doing a great job and the National School Improvement Plan would help them achieve even more.

Andrew Leigh recognised the importance of education to Australia’s economy.

“If we want to raise living standards, we need to increase the productivity of Australians. The best bet for raising productivity is to improve education and skills. This means that our education reforms are also economic reforms.

“I’ve done plenty of research into inequality and know that by targeting our reforms to help the neediest students, we’re also helping to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor,” Dr Leigh said.

Andrew Leigh’s education survey can be found at https://www.research.net/s/NorthCanberraEducation

The Prime Minister’s speech announcing the National School Improvement Plan can be found at www.pm.gov.au.

For more information on the Plan visit www.betterschools.gov.au.