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Good report for Victoria THE Victorian Department of Education and Training's annual report has revealed that average class sizes continue to go down and students are meeting or exceeding literacy and numeracy benchmarks.The Department of Education and Training Annual Report 2005-06 sets out key activities and achievements from 1 July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 against established goals and targets. Ms Kosky welcomed the report as confirmation that State Government initiatives in education and training were making Victoria a better place to live, work and raise a family. "From the very beginning we set out to put more teachers in schools, lower class sizes and make sure teachers can spend more time one on one with students," Ms Kosky said. "These were important steps in providing Victorian students with the very best start in life in primary school when the foundations are laid in teaching literacy and numeracy and engaging children in their learning so they want to stay at school for longer. "This strategy and our new programs for older students has seen an increase in the number of students staying at school, completing year 12 or its equivalent and improving their chances of moving into further education, training or a job." Ms Kosky said she was pleased to see the number of young people taking up apprenticeships had increased over the longer term to help address the skills shortage. "Our focus on the end of schooling, years 10 -12, is clearly providing better pathways into future education and training," Ms Kosky said. "The introduction of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) has been important in achieving these solid results." Minister for Education Services Jacinta Allan also welcomed the annual report as a validation of Bracks Government initiatives, including a massive investment in Information Communications Technology in schools. The report shows significant investment in ICT equipment and programmes over the past 12 months, including: * $89.3 million allocated over four years to connect every Government school to high speed broadband under the VicSmart initiative; * $1 million allocated to trial interactive whiteboard technology in schools; and * $1.25 million allocated for ICT professional development for teachers. "We are creating a school system across Victoria equipped with the latest technology and highly skilled teachers to ensure every young Victorian receives the best education possible regardless of postcode," Ms Allan said. "This annual report card provides a clear sign we are on track to achieving what we set out to do, and that is to create a world-class education and training system in Victoria. "There is still more work to be done and the Bracks Government's commitment to our students and schools will continue," Ms Allan said. |
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