Top educators discuss responses to Teacher Education Advisory Group (TEMAG) report in Perth

Top educators from across the state have come together in Perth to discuss their responses to the recently launched Teacher Education Advisory Group (TEMAG) report.

Convened by Australia’s leading independent body for educational leadership, the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL), the forum was held at Mercedes College and attracted some 34 educators from across the government, private and catholic school systems and university sector.

ACEL WA National Director Keith Newton said the panel expressed the view that the TEMAG report was not the watershed review that would change teacher education.

“While the panel discussed that it was interesting and useful, without bold moves and proper funding it will be yet another in the long line of those that have gone before it,” Mr Newton said.

“However, if it does nothing else but improve the quality of candidates entering teacher education then that alone would be a significant change and step towards making a big difference in the quality of teaching.”

Other key points raised included: Early practicums – there is a definite appetite to get pre-service teachers into schools earlier (1st year). The literacy/numeracy test in 4th year will assume greater importance as a baseline skill test for all graduates – this has the potential to be one of the significant legacies of the reforms There will be a push for universities to provide evidence of ‘readiness to teach’ on behalf of graduates – along with the idea of ‘tracking’ graduates for the first couple of years in the profession There was a strong feeling that the committee recommendations regarding induction for graduates had been ignored.

The forums are being held across Australia to gather a sector-wide, local response to the TEMAG report.

CEO Aasha Murthy said ACEL was very excited to be hosting the forums.

“These forums will really help us to capture a cross-sectoral response to the most strategic initiative into teacher education we have seen to-date,” Ms Murthy said.

“Our intent with these forums is to bring focus to this issue and generate a diverse perspective to bring visibility and focus to this in schools.

“Teacher education is of primary importance because the quality of education depends on the quality of the teachers. This has a direct impact on student outcomes.”

The Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) gives access to world- class empirical research along with the practical support to achieve excellence in leadership in the education sector. Visit www.acel.org.au

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