Institute accreditation and workload problems continue

If you believe DET's policy about Institute accreditation and workload is not being adhered to at your school, contact Federation, writes BOB LIPSCOMBE.

Although extensive information and advice has been provided to schools by Federation, the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the NSW Institute of Teachers in the past, Federation Officers continue to receive many complaints from members about the unreasonable workload demands imposed upon both beginning teachers and those who supervise them to meet the accreditation procedures set by the Institute of Teachers and the Department of Education and Training. Affecting both permanent and non-permanent New Scheme teachers, many of these demands are based on a misunderstanding of the requirements of both the Institute and the Department of Education and Training (DET). While changed procedures inevitably result in some change to workload, members are once again reminded that there has been no agreement that those with responsibility for New Scheme teachers will take on any additional workload beyond that involved in working with or assessing probationary teachers prior to the advent of the Institute of Teachers. Members are further reminded that they should avoid creating processes that lead to excessive demands being placed on New Scheme teachers.

Because of the continued complaints, Federation has once again pursued the matter with DET. As a result Federation has received correspondence from Workforce Management and Systems Improvement Deputy Director-General Peter Riordan (dated August 23) which states:

"The evidence that beginning teachers are required to collect comprises only material normally used by teachers in preparation for and delivery of teaching programs and in documenting student achievement of learning outcomes. Each piece of supporting evidence must be annotated by the new scheme teacher to demonstrate one or more of the elements in the Professional Teaching Standards at Professional Competence.

"The focus for submitted evidence is on quality not quantity and the Department's procedures state that the submitted evidence could reasonably be expected to fit into an A4 envelope."

This last point reflects the advice contained in the DET document Suggestions for collecting evidence of achievement of Professional Competence standards. It states that your supporting evidence should be of "a manageable quantity -- can be contained within one plastic sleeve".

The same document also states: "One piece of evidence is sufficient for each standard; however [DET emphasis] one piece of documentary evidence may be used to demonstrate multiple standards." It also reflects earlier advice from the Institute that "your evidence, printed on one side only, should fit into an A4 plastic sleeve".

The correspondence from the Deputy Director-General concludes with the following: "I am happy to follow up on situations in schools where the Department's policy, including the submission of evidence, is not being adhered to. To assist me to do this I require the Federation to provide me with the names of such schools." While Federation and its Officers are available to provide advice and assistance to members who are New Scheme teachers and those who have responsibilities for New Scheme teachers, Federation would particularly like to hear from members who believe that the DET's policy is still not being adhered to in their school.

Further advice for New Scheme teachers and those who work with them can be found on Federation's website.

Bob Lipscombe is the Senior Vice President.

Institute fee problems

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September 2007 contents