Recreation

Principals want IT technicians
High school principals fear the Rudd government's $2 billion computer rollout will force teachers out of the classroom unless schools employ full-time IT technicians. The Australian, 10 March 2010.

Maths + students equals fail
A new report says the state of maths in Australian schools has deteriorated to a 'dangerous level' and will require universities to lower standards and provide remedial programs to help under-prepared students. ABC News, 10 March 2010.

Draft National Professional Standards for Teachers: Consultation
The new draft Standards describe what is required of teachers at four levels of professional expertise. Input regarding the Standards are sought from members of the profession and the wider education community. All feedback will be considered by an expert working group. The public consultation process on the draft National Professional Standards for Teachers closes on 7 May 2010. MCEECDYA, March 2010.

SCIS expression of interest sought for professional learning in SA schools
The Schools Catalogue Information Service (SCIS) is seeking expressions of interest for a four hour training session 'Making the most of SCIS'. If there is sufficient interest, training sessions will be held in South Australia in the week commencing 17 May 2010. This training will highlight how SCIS cataloguing products can assist in providing a more effective library service to school communities. SCIS, March 2010.

Zero tolerance for bullying
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says there should be a national policy of zero tolerance for bullying in schools, with powers for principals and teachers to intervene. ABC News, 4 March 2010.

UK teachers' desk-side manner to be tested
New UK teachers could be tested for their desk-side manner and screened for empathy, understanding and passion under government plans to improve the quality of teaching. BBC News, 3 March 2010.

Teens who spend less time glued to screens may relate better to peers
A newly published study found that young people who watched more TV tended to have poorer relationships with both their friends and parents. University of Otago, 2 March 2010.

ACT Australian Curriculum trial schools
The 10 ACT schools that will trial the new Australian Curriculum have been announced. Minister for Education, 2 March 2010.

High school students to study science
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation, Richard Marles, welcomed progress on a 2 million dollars project to encourage students to study the sciences in senior secondary years. The Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance (STELR) project has been developed by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the first stage was launched by Parliamentary Secretary Marles at a professional learning seminar for secondary teachers in Melbourne. DEEWR Media release, 1 March 2010

Draft Australian Curriculum released
The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has released the draft K-10 Australian Curriculum in English, mathematics, science and history for online viewing and consultation. ACARA, 1 March 2010.