You can’t necessarily equate qualifications with capability. In terms of ‘trained’ teachers, this has, unfortunately, never been more true.
The results of a national research project that gathered data over a 5-year period from 2012-2017, indicated the greatest frustration experienced by capable teachers and principals was being forced to work with, and protect, incapable colleagues.
Last weekend, media outlets reported that Australian Universities continue to enrol in their training courses students who have failed Year 12. If these students are to become tomorrow’s teachers, we can fairly predict that the number of teachers who lack the ability to fulfil their responsibilities will increase.
Let’s be clear. These university students have not only failed Year 12, but some have performed exceptionally badly, with ATARs in the 20s. What does this mean?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is given to students at the completion of Year 12. It’s an estimate of the percentage of the student population an individual has outperformed. For instance, students receiving an ATAR of 60, means they outperformed 60% of other students. Universities are accepting students with an ATAR rank of less than 20 – in other words, students who have outperformed only the lowest 20% of their cohorts.
These latest reports also suggest Education Ministers and opposition spokespersons can, or should, effect the changes necessary to avoid such a situation. Although this might be true to some degree, two critical voices are missing.
The first is that of our principals and teachers. Why do capable school principals and teachers accept graduates from these Universities as their employees and colleagues? Teaching simply cannot be considered a profession when complacency, or fear, overrides any mechanism to flush out failing teachers.
The second voice is that of school councils and boards, which include parent representatives. Why do they allow their schools to accept and protect incapable employees? Parent representatives voice opinions on behalf of every parent in their school communities. Surely parents want only the best and brightest to teach their children.
School leadership sits at the centre of a complex web of relationships that determine whether a community, or society, flourishes or fails. If our children are not taught by the very best, what kind of society will Australia become?
There is no excuse for anyone directly involved in Australian schools to remain silent on this or any other matter that degrades performance, and potentially brings the nation to its knees.
There is no excuse for allowing school leaders – whether principals, school councillors or board members – to accept anyone who is incapable of educating our children as a member of staff.
Say no to inadequate standards. Say yes to capability. Say it loudly and clearly. Then flush.
If you’re looking for a thought provoking presenter or speaker for your next professional learning day or event, reach out.
cheryl@cheryllacey.com or +61 419 518 811
Speaking gives me the opportunity to deliver insightful messages about our need to advocate for the best possible educators and those they serve.
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Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Lacey All rights reserved.
Parent, educationist and advocate of agitating change in Australian education. By raising the bar we can face any global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
Contact me at cheryl@cheryllacey.com to learn how we can work together.
