TASMANIAN parents can expect to find out in about two weeks if their children will be moving to a four-term school year.
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Final submissions were heard before Commissioner James McAlpine yesterday in the hearing between the state government and Australian Education Union state branch in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
Mr McAlpine has retired to make his decision and is expected by the middle of the month to alleviate uncertainty about term dates in 2013.
A move to four terms would require a provision to the Tasmanian State Service Act for an alteration to annual leave arrangements for teachers.
Education Minister Nick Mckim said the move to four terms has always been about the best interests of students.
``Research shows that shorter, more concentrated spans of learning time facilitates more effective student learning outcomes,'' Mr McKim said.
He said concerns raised by the Tasmanian Tourism Council were outweighed by the educational and economic benefits of having a highly educated and skilled workforce.
Australian Education Union state branch president Terry Polglase said he was unsure which way the commissioner may go.
``What we believe is that there has been no argument put by the Department of Education, or any other reason, that a four-term year would be of benefit to student learning,'' Mr Polglase said.
He said it was of no concern to the union if the Catholic and independent school systems moved to the four-term model next year but questioned who would pay for the travel subsidy of those students while the majority, those in the public system, were not at school.
Both Mr McKim and Mr Polglase said they would appeal against the decision if it did not got their way.
The matter has been before the commission since February 14.