The IEU believes that resources for Vocational Education and Asian languages will benefit students and the commitment to early childhood education is critical, said Lynne Rolley.
Independent Education Union Federal Secretary Lynne Rolley today welcomed announcements in the Labor ‘Budget Reply’ that focused on providing much needed resources to schools.
“It is most pleasing that critical areas such as vocational education and languages have been highlighted as priority areas” said Ms Rolley.
“There is no question that many of our students will be incredibly well served through the initiative to upgrade or provide trade facilities in secondary schools and it is a recognition not only of the needs of our economy and wider community but also the simple fact that most students do not go on to university”.
“The initiative to support the teaching of Asian languages and culture in our schools in cooperation with the states and territories is excellent” said Ms Rolley.
“It was incredibly disappointing when the previous funding for the National Asian Languages and Studies in Australian Schools Scheme was abolished by the current government.”
“Of particular value in the Labor commitment is the recognition of need to support teachers to gain skills as language teachers”.
“Perhaps the most important aspect of Labor’s education commitments is the commitment to early childhood learning” said Ms Rolley. “This has strong resonance within the community and must be welcomed and supported by all” she said.
“The $450 million for early childhood education providing pre-literacy and pre-numeracy play-based learning for all four year olds and, most importantly, with a fully trained teacher is critical”
“What we know is that good quality early childhood education sets the right foundation for children’s further development.”
“Extensive research has consistently demonstrated the value of early childhood education and that effective schooling cannot be developed in isolation,” she said. “Early childhood education is important for subsequent success.”
“It is pleasing to see commitments to education that are not couched in either ‘carrot and stick’ or denigrating terms that we have seen too often in recent years” said Ms Rolley.
Contact details
Chris Watt
Assistant Federal Secretary
Ph: 03 9254 1830
Fax: 03 9254 1835
ieu@ieu.org.au