I am getting a bit sick of hearing about the Gonski report especially when you suspect that it will probably fade away like most other reviews with little to show for the enormous expense. Here is a quick summary of what it is about from the government website.
In 2010 the Australian Government commissioned a Review of Funding for Schooling. Chaired by David Gonski, the review panel received more than 7000 submissions, visited 39 schools and consulted 71 key education groups across Australia.
Couple of problems with this already. 7000 submission is not a lot of input. 39 schools is pathetic. Just look at NSW, 2 public schools, 9 Independent and two Catholic, is that really representative?
This video came out in May last year. I have only just got around to watching it (rain will do that) because I though it would be quite dull but it is far from dull. Three different views of our system from three so called experts. You will be infuriated or cheering depending on your perspective. It does go for an hour but it is worth watching.
Can’t see the video – click here.
I wish that I had written down what I was thinking when I was watching the video above as there were many aspects I didn’t agree with. One aspect is that all of the speakers are from wealthy private school backgrounds which has to distort their view – as much as they try to be balanced. Another key aspect for me and I hate to say it as it will not sound right is that who said the world was equitable. It is a simple fact that some people will be more capable than others in certain disciplines. One person could be great at Maths but be useless at Art. I do believe that our educational system should be offering equal opportunity to every child but we should expect that every child will be equal because of it. I also don’t understand why a Private school is funded? You choose to set up a private school and you charge high rates for enrolment then like any other independent business it is up to you to make it work. Why do they expect and receive a very handsome handout to keep them operational. Just seems weird to me. And if we want equity why not just outlaw Private Education? Seems radical but why not and other countries do it.
To round this post of Julia made a few interesting statements on Friday re Gonski. The full article can be read here from the Australian. Here are a few excepts:
The Prime Minister is planning the slow start as she faces a state revolt over the reforms, which were labelled a “farce” for abusing federal power and a “straitjacket” on the way schools are run.
The injection stops far short of the $6.5bn required every year to meet the funding benchmark set in a review led by company director David Gonski
A more ambitious plan would put immense pressure on the federal budget as federal cabinet’s expenditure review committee ponders higher taxes on superannuation and the resources industry
The last comment is a classic. Taxing Superannuation – I can’t even believe they are considering that. Taxing the resources sector – good, but it failed last time and it does keep our country going.
Don’t even try to remember the name Gonski. Only educational historians will remember who he was by the end of the year.
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