BLIGH APPOINTS INTERNATIONAL EXPERT TO REVIEW EDUCATION STANDARDS

Premier Anna Bligh today announced the appointment of an international expert to review curriculum and educational standards for Queensland primary school students.

Ms Bligh said Professor Geoff Masters from the Australian Council for Educational Research would undertake the review targeting areas of core literacy, numeracy and science.

“The reality is that our students are not performing well enough,” Ms Bligh said.

“Today’s results from the Trends in International Maths and Science Study are well short of a pass mark.

“We are already working to address this problem through initiatives such as our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths plan which will arm teachers and students with more knowledge and skills in these areas.

“However, I don’t want our student to just compete – I want them to be the best.”

“That is why I have asked Professor Masters to undertake a comprehensive review of our current system to see if there are any areas where we can make immediate improvements.

“He will bring an outside set of eyes to the problem to see how we can tackle it from an international perspective.”

Professor Masters is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council for Educational Research. Prior to joining ACER he was a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne.

He has a PhD in educational measurement from the University of Chicago and has published several books and numerous journal articles in the field of educational assessment.

As well as being a consultant to education bodies in Australia, Professor Masters has been a consultant to school systems and examination agencies in North America and Southeast Asia.

“I want to give our kids the best head start in life possible,” Ms Bligh said.

“That is why we have undertaken initiatives such as Prep Year, early years support and investment in kindergartens and teacher professional development.

“And the sooner we move to standard national curriculum the better.

“However, realistically the long-term benefits of these changes will not be seen for a few years.

“I want Professor Masters to see if anything can be done immediately.

“If that means changes to our education system – I will make it happen.”

December 10, 2008

Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500