How Equity and Excellence was developed
Education changes lives. Around the world, the undeniable case for better educational outcomes is increasingly recognised as the driver of economic and social outcomes. By leveraging the collective strengths of communities, families and cross-agency collaboration, we are working together to improve the lives of young people. We have a rare privilege and responsibility – the better job we do, the better someone’s life.
In 2022, the Department of Education undertook extensive research into the factors that lift school and system wide performance and equity, partnering with educational experts to undertake literature reviews and jurisdictional scans and commissioning market research into factors that influence school choice for parents and carers.
The Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing launched targeted consultation on the new Education Strategy at the 2022 Principals’ Conference and Business Day. System leaders, including Queensland’s state school principals and key stakeholders, informed finalisation of the strategy and implementation design.
Education system leaders resoundingly support the vision of Equity and Excellence and a focus on educational achievement, wellbeing and engagement, and culture and inclusion to deliver a holistic approach to student learning throughout schooling.
Overwhelmingly, principals showed strong support for the strategic direction and focus on collaborative effort across the state schooling system and with other government agencies.
Over 1,200 state school principals were consulted.
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97% agreed with the 3 focus areas.
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95% agreed with school priorities.
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94% said system initiatives would make a positive difference.
State school principals said:
- 'One system. One plan.'
- 'We now have a narrative again that I believe will provide direction and focus to move the system forward collectively.'
We asked students to tell us what Equity and Excellence means to them and their school.