Union begins live web forums

By Khyiah Angel

During the July school holidays Federation conducted its first live web forum.

The forum discussed the issue of the impending school reporting requirements and despite being held in the middle of the holidays on a Friday afternoon, it received 1180 views over two hours.

Teachers were invited to register for the forum and participate in a live discussion after listening to an audio file of President Maree O'Halloran addressing the web-based audience.

About 30 people registered for the forum whilst hundreds more observed the question and answer discussion that took place.

The forum gave teachers an opportunity to hear first hand from the President and to raise issues from their individual schools with Federation Officers. Discussion was honest and frank with teachers expressing frustration about being told by their school executive (who in turn was told by the Department) that A-E reporting was linked to federal funding. Federation Officers were able to clarify this point by reminding people that the actual wording of the federal regulation is: "the student report must include, for subjects studied, an assessment against achievement levels or bands defined by the education authority or school, being levels or bands that:

"1. Must be labelled as A, B, C, D, E (or equivalent)
"2. Should be clearly defined against specific learning standards."

Officers also reminded participants that their school has the full support of the Federation in following the professional advice to continue using their own reporting format.

Other issues of concern expressed by participants included the lack of consultation with teachers by the government when arbitrarily imposing the new requirements; and consequently the lack of respect for the professionalism of teachers regarding the issue; and the significant workload issues attached to implementing a new reporting system without appropriate training.

Those who participated in the forum expressed their appreciation in being able to raise individual concerns and have their questions answered in a relaxed environment (their homes) with information direct from the source, enabling them to begin the term informed and prepared.

The next live web forum will be conducted on August 29 from 4pm to 6pm. The topic will be occupational health and safety in Federation workplaces. Further information will be available on the website at www.nswtf.org.au closer to the date.

Khyiah Angel is a relieving Officer.

For further information

August 2006 contents