Queensland Education Performance Review >

Background to the Queensland Education Performance Review

After Queensland's results were released for the 2008 National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and 2007 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) the Queensland Government engaged Professor Geoff Masters of the Australian Council for Educational Research to undertake a review of Queensland primary education.

The purpose was to explore opportunities to improve the state's educational achievement, with a particular emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science outcomes. Literacy and numeracy are the foundations of all learning and Education Queensland aims to lift performance to give children the best chance.

The review was led by the Queensland Education Performance Review Steering Committee. The Committee chaired by Ken Smith, Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, consisted of representatives of the then Department for Education, Training and the Arts, the Queensland Studies Authority, the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, and the Association of Independent Schools Queensland.

The Steering Committee endorsed the Terms of Reference (new window) 72k for the review in December 2008. The Terms of Reference required Professor Masters to provide two reports to the Premier: an interim report by the end of January 2009 and a final report by the end of April 2009.

Professor Masters' report focused on literacy, numeracy and science learning in Queensland primary education. His final report, A Shared Challenge: Improving Literacy, Numeracy and Science Learning in Queensland Primary Schools (new window) 1.3M , was presented to the Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh and Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson on 1 May 2009.

The report contains five key recommendations to improve the performance of Queensland primary schools in literacy, numeracy and science. They are:

That all aspiring primary teachers be required to demonstrate through test performances, as a condition of registration, that they meet threshold levels of knowledge about the teaching of literacy, numeracy and science and have sound levels of content knowledge in these areas.
That the Queensland Government introduces a new structure and program of advanced professional learning in literacy, numeracy and science for primary school teachers.
That additional funding be made available for the advanced training and employment of a number of 'specialist' literacy, numeracy and science teachers to work in schools (and/or district offices) most in need of support.
That standard science tests be introduced at Years 4, 6, 8 and 10 for school use in identifying students who are not meeting year-level expectations and for monitoring student progress over time.
That the Queensland Government initiates an expert review of international best practice in school leadership development with a view to introducing a new structure and program of advanced professional learning for primary school leaders focused on effective strategies for driving improved school performances in literacy, numeracy and science.

Queensland government response

On 29 June the Queensland Government released the Government Response (new window) 48k which addresses all five recommendations of Professor Geoff Masters' Queensland Education Performance Review.

Submissions received during the public consultation process held in May 2009 were carefully considered in developing the response.

The Department of Education and Training will coordinate the implementation of the response. In late 2009, the Government will publish a progress report on the implementation of the Government's response to Professor Masters' report.

Related information

Queensland Education Performance Review
Preliminary report
Access to 2008 NAPLAN materials

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