AEU calls for Australian Curriculum delay

South Australia should follow New South Wales’ lead and delay implementation of the Australian curriculum.

AEU SA President Correna Haythorpe says more time is needed for planning and training, to ensure a smooth transition to the new standard.

“AEU members have formally asked the state government for a twelve month delay, but are still waiting to hear if this will happen.”

“Educators are deeply concerned that there has been minimal training, scant resources and insufficient time allocated for implementing this massive change to the way they teach and how children learn” Ms Haythorpe says.

“NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli yesterday announced his state would delay the planning phase from 2012 to 2013, and the classroom teaching phase would also be pushed back a year from 2013 to 2014.”

“Like NSW, SA teachers must have time to come to terms with the content of the new curriculum – there is no point introducing it if teachers aren’t given the resources and training to make it work.”

“We have voiced our concerns to our Education Minister and Chief Executive, but haven’t as yet received a decision.”

“The delay put schools in a difficult position as they’re unable to organize their staffing mix to ensure they have the appropriate curriculum expertise in place.”

“Educators also fear that the time and resources needed to manage the substantial increase in their workloads haven’t materialized. This could affect their ability to meet students’ existing needs, let alone the challenges presented by the new curriculum.”

“Our children’s future is too important for a rush job. If they’re to get the best quality education possible we’ve got to get the introduction of the new curriculum right.”

“Time and resources are crucial. We call on the SA Government to show a commitment to quality education, by delaying the introduction of the national curriculum for a year.”