THE Examiner’s ISABEL BIRD asked Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest about education issues facing the state. Ms Forrest believes that a non-partisan, long-term plan, agreed to and understood by all Tasmanians, is essential.
How can school retention be increased in Tasmania?
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When discussing school retention rates we focus on the secondary and senior secondary years. I believe students who are at risk of disengaging at that stage of their schooling often do so as they have not gained a level of basic literacy and numeracy that makes it easier and more rewarding to remain in school.
We really must ensure that the early years receive adequate attention and funding to improve the literacy and numeracy rates of all young Tasmanians. The adage, ‘‘you learn to read until grade 3 and then you read to learn’’ is very apt. It is vital that there is adequate resourcing, financial and human not only in primary school but also in the 0-5 age group where potential problems can be identified and acted on in a timely manner. This would provide a long term and cost effective means of addressing a significant percentage of those young people we have trouble retaining from years 10-12.
Many of the Scandinavian countries have programs that invest heavily in the early years, and identify problems early and support whole families. This sort of approach is needed, but many Scandinavian residents also pay quite a lot more in tax meaning there is more funding available but this is a different topic.
How can educational outcomes be improved in city and regional areas?
We need to consider the overall demographics of each community and take an individualised approach where it is necessary.
If we make a full and effective investment in the early years we are likely to see fewer challenges in the latter years of formal education.
We need to make greater use of technology to bring as many experiences and opportunities as possible into the classroom. This means bringing remote location activities into city classroom and vice versa.
How we can change parent and community attitudes about education?
We need to make schools safe and inviting places for all parents and children to attend. Many parents who have low literacy and numeracy levels have had bad experiences of schooling and may not appreciate the value a good education can provide. Employing parent liaison staff that can actively engage the parents of children of low socio-economic backgrounds could assist in helping people to understand the importance of education in their child’s future.
We also need community leaders to speak publicly about the importance of education and the need for today’s students to continue with their formal education until at least year 12 or until they have an apprenticeship or similar.
I have been to many events where successful people, often from the business world, have been asked to speak to young people about their life journey and success. Their success commenced many years prior and some have made a point of saying that they left school in year 9 or 10 and do not make the connection that their pathway was very different to what a young person now needs to do to hope to achieve a similar level of success.
All community and business leaders need to be aware of and familiar with the current expectations for young people to gain employment and experience similar successes currently, not as it was in the past, to ensure we can encourage and support young people to strive for this.