Over the next couple of months the AEU and its members across Australia will be working hard to raise the awareness and understanding of members, the broader profession, parents, community and politicians of our real and genuine concerns at the way in which NAPLAN data is being placed in the public domain.

If only we saw such a flurry of interest by media in the day-to-day work of teachers, administrators and other school staff. If only we saw such attention by the media nation-wide to the often serious deficiencies in facilities and conditions for teaching and learning, and yet how against the odds amazing experiences are provided, fantastic outcomes reached. If only!  

2010 is likely to be an election year. The teaching profession must make it clear that ‘measuring/ judging’ a school and its staff on the basis of NAPLAN is neither honest nor fair to students, school communities, educators or indeed the nation.

Each one of us can take the first step in contributing to the online protest. Next we can access some of the comprehensive commentary and research.

At a branch level ... please ensure you use the SSTUWA Term 1 2010 P&C/School Council Communication Kit to talk to your parents on this issue and distribute the flyers.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Commentary abounds and continues on this matter. Go to the ABC – Drum Unleashed – and reflect on Bob Ellis’ commentary Julia Gillard: a political dill .

Our own website contains a growing list of information. The AEU website is also another good source of information on the topic of ‘high stakes testing’ as is www.teachers.org.uk

Next week, Union Reps will receive a DVD support from the SSTUWA

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR SCHOOL?

... Please respond via the attachment

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Join in the Campaign Today

• Fill out our online protest letter calling for urgent action from Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard
• Check out the latest news on the issue
• Read the background information and research to make up your own mind
• See what the AEU is saying
• Download campaign resources
• Letter To Julia Gillard from parents, teachers and principals .