The NESA curriculum review, announced by the NSW Premier Rob Stokes last week, must keep the professionals who deliver the curriculum at the forefront of deliberations.
While not wishing to pre-empt the findings of the review, certain matters are emerging that may warrant change.
"The notion of standardised tests, like NAPLAN, leading to pedagogical change and improved student outcomes has been discredited," Gloria Taylor, Acting Secretary IEUA NSW/ACT Branch said.
"Standardised testing is not aligned to the curriculum and as a consequence not aligned to what is being taught," Taylor said.
"Rather, assessment implemented by classroom teachers based on their observations in the classroom, with the capacity for benchmarking, will assist teachers and students more."
The senior curriculum in NSW is currently under significant development. English, Maths, Science and History have been reconfigured, with other subjects to follow. The need for a further revamp is questionable.
Any change must be predicated upon negotiated support for classroom teachers.
Turning a corner in NSW education is complex and agreed developments take time, resources and professional development.
The IEU does not oppose the review but consultation with the profession is paramount.
"Developing curriculum and implementing it must be the domain of teachers," Taylor said.
Ends
Gloria Taylor, Acting Secretary IEUA NSW/ACT Branch, mobile 0419 625 967
Mark Northam, Assistant Secretary IEUA NSW/ACT Branch, mobile 0427 667 061
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