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Education programs across Australia

Queensland

Policies and guidelines

• Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages Policy and Materials (Draft)
• Anti-Racism Policy Statement
• Building Success Together: Framework for Students at Educational Risk
• Child Protection Policy
• Culture and Language Diversity in Education Policy
• Inclusive Curriculum Policy
• Management of Behaviour in a Supportive School Environment Policy
• Principles of Effective Learning and Teaching

Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages Policy and Materials (Draft)

Indigenous languages are an ongoing priority for Education Queensland. In 1998, initiatives included:

• the ongoing development and support of school-based local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language programs
• the ongoing development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Languages Frameworks (LOTE) in Queensland school communities in the Cape and Gulf and Torres Straits Districts
• the ongoing development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Policy Statement and Guidelines
• the implementation of an English as Second Language (ESL) - Indigenous Language Speaking Students Initiative.

Anti-Racism Policy Statement

A policy statement which rejects racism and sets accountabilities for achieving the policy outcomes.

Building Success Together: Framework for Students at Educational Risk

This framework has been developed by Education Queensland to assist state schools to achieve the central objectives of Queensland State Education - 2010. These objectives state that:

• by 2010, the proportion of young persons in Queensland completing Year 12 or equivalent qualifications should match that projected for leading OECD countries
• the completion rate for Year 12 students should increase from 68 per cent in 1998 to 88 per cent in 2010.

The policy defines students at educational risk, sets out the context for change, and identifies the principles that guide change. It also sets out the key actions for changing cultures and practices at school, district and central office level, to improve the educational achievements and completion of schooling or equivalent qualifications for students at educational risk.

Child Protection Policy

Education Queensland is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for its students.

Any behaviours that jeopardise that environment have no place in an organisation which is committed to learning outcomes for all students.

This policy is based on the following principles:

• Students must be protected from all forms of harm, including bullying, harassment and intimidation which is based on gender, culture or ethnicity, or on any impairment the person may have.
• Education Queensland is to operate in co-operation with other relevant agencies and in partnership with educational communities in matters concerning child protection.
• Employees must report all behaviours that can reasonably be considered harmful to students.
• Employees must ensure their behaviour towards and relationships with students reflect the highest standards of care for students, are not unlawful, and comply with the conduct requirements prescribed in the Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Ethical Behaviour applicable to Education Queensland employees.
• Employees must accept that failure to behave in a manner consistent with the requirements of this policy may result in criminal proceedings and/or disciplinary action being taken against the employee under the Public Service Act 1996.

Culture and Language Diversity in Education Policy

Education Queensland recognises and values the cultural and language diversity of every school community. It has a role and responsibility to contribute to a socially just society by promoting equitable and fair access to, participation in, and outcomes from, the education provided for students who make up these diverse groups.

This policy focuses on addressing inequalities through the reshaping of the curriculum in responding to the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse groups and deciding on cultural learning for all students.

Inclusive Curriculum Policy

Education Queensland is committed to providing an inclusive curriculum which meets the needs of students and society. Curriculum is inclusive when participants in the learning process:

• identify and address barriers that limit students' opportunities, participation and benefits from schooling
• include, value, and use as a basis for learning, the perspectives, contributions and experiences of the full range of social and cultural groups, by acknowledging diversity both within and among these groups
• develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and processes necessary to:
• question how disadvantage has developed and exists within social structures
• challenge rather than accept social injustice
• empower people to participate as equals.

Management of Behaviour in a Supportive School Environment Policy

Education Queensland is committed to providing school environments which maximise the educational opportunities and outcomes for all, through:

• quality practices in the areas of curriculum, interpersonal relationships and school organisation
• the employment of fair and just practices which comply with relevant legislation
• the consideration of and use of suspension and exclusion procedures only when all other approaches have been exhausted.

Principles of Effective Learning and Teaching

To promote effective learning and teaching, five guiding principles have been formulated for development and implementation of quality learning programs in Queensland state schools. They are expected to underpin learning and teaching practices across all sectors of schooling and should provide all students with the opportunity to obtain a comprehensive, balanced and equitable education.