Silence is not an option

By Angelo Gavrielatos

Federation's annual conference, at which about 600 delegates from across NSW came together July 1-3, was a wonderful celebration of union activism that defines our union.

For three days annual conference debated a range of propositions all of which were underpinned by an absolute commitment to advancing public education.

As is stated in the opening paragraph of the conference theme, Public Education -- a National Priority, "Few national resources can be more important to the well being of our society than public spaces dedicated to learning. A public education system that is open and available to all strengthens democracy by realising individual aspirations in the context of public values concerning equality, social justice and the greater good."

Also worthy of celebration is the report released by NSW Education Minister John Della Bosca showing a large number of schools across the state having experienced significant increases in kindergarten school enrolments. This clearly illustrates a confidence among parents in public education and, in particular, the outstanding teaching and learning occurring in public schools across the state. Discerning parents have clearly cut through the never ending attempts by conservative politicians and their proxies in the tabloid media that seek to manufacture and fabricate crisis in confidence in public education. One can only imagine how much more confidence there would be in our public schools were they to receive the support they deserve from government. As acknowledged by Minister Della Bosca, this upsurge in kindergarten enrolments can be attributed to the positive impact of the K-2 class size reduction program. Parents understand that smaller classes allow teachers to spend more time with students in those early vital years.

Federation continues to argue that a similar investment is required in the early years of high school to allow teachers to better meet the needs of students at the point of critical transition from year 6 to year 7. Such an investment would not only lead to an improvement in educational outcomes for students -- as with kindergarten enrolments, we would also experience a similar growth in enrolments in our high schools.

As Federation has stated repeatedly, our great public schools can be even greater with appropriate government funding.

In the first few weeks of the school term all schools that have not already done so are asked to complete their Our School's Resource Demands kit, illustrating what more could be done if public schools were to receive the same level of funding that the federal government chooses to give private schools.

The Productivity Commission Report on Government Services, released earlier this year, showed that the Federal Government chooses to give $4515 per private school student compared to $1051 per public school student representing a difference of $3464.

Also a priority campaign objective this term is the necessary approach to all aspiring federal local members of Parliament in each electorate asking them to sign a Public Education pledge committing themselves to articulate a priority commitment to public education and to argue for increased funding for public schools within their parties where appropriate. Now more than ever local MPs in every electorate must be held responsible for their efforts, or lack thereof, in seeking a greater investment in public education in the interest of the overwhelming majority of their constituents.

Regrettably, the attack on public education does not end in the form of inadequate funding. There is also a constant attack aimed at undermining confidence in the curriculum. This is done in a most dishonest way by attempting to create an impression that the curriculum taught in public schools somehow varies from that taught in private schools. As teachers know, the syllabuses and a range of other support materials are taught in both public and private schools.

An example of this attack on curriculum was the attempt to create a furore around the singing of the "Sorry Song" in the context of NAIDOC week at one particular primary school. The "Sorry Song", located in the ABC song book, is sung in many schools both public and private, across the state. That, of course, did not stop conservative commentators from attacking public schools and questioning the curriculum taught in public schools.

Federation maintains its unequivocal support for teachers who, in exercising their professional judgement, include material such as the "Sorry Song" to enrich the teaching and learning experience for students. This material enables children to better understand, within an age-appropriate context, valuable lessons in Australian history.

The "Sorry Song" was written as an expression of one's feeling about the Stolen Generation. It represents an important and legitimate perspective in Australian history.

Everyone agrees on the importance of teaching Australian history in our schools. The teaching of that history cannot and should not be sanitised.

Just as Australians take pride in the achievements of our past -- we must also acknowledge wrong doings of the past. Australia will not fully mature as a nation until it recognises all aspects of its history.

The worst thing that could possibly happen as a result of this ongoing attack on the curriculum and the denigration of the profession is the silencing of the profession during these critical debates. If teachers become silent, if they exhibit self-censorship by refusing to expose children to a wide variety of views, the conservative forces will have won. This is clearly not an option.

Angelo Gavrielatos is the Acting President.

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