During the summer holidays, I spent some time catching up on a year’s worth of reading. I hope you also found some time to refresh and recharge doing the things you love.
One of the professional readings I completed during the break, “Data-Driven Instructional Leadership” written by Rebecca J. Blink Ph.D, reminded me of an integral aspect of the Australian Curriculum - the concept of entitlement. This is the right of every Australian child; regardless of geographical location, socioeconomic status, race or religion, to have the opportunity to be exposed to and learn set knowledge, skills and understandings.
The book began with a personal recount which emphasised the role of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ (NCLB) policy in the US in providing greater opportunities for the author’s nephew, who had an identified intellectual disability. Prior to the directive that every child be exposed to an academic curriculum, this student had spent hours completing menial tasks; wiping down benches, distributing newletters, photocopying …in the name of life-skills. As a result of the policy, he was given access to the academic curriculum, the opportunity to learn to read and write and to develop the skills to actively operate in society – true life skills.
An extreme example in some ways, and our Australian Curriculum is very different to NCLB; however, the shared concept of entitlement is something we, as educators and school leaders, need to keep at the forefront of our minds as we progress down the path of national curriculum implementation. So that children from across our diverse nation are provided with equity of access to learning.
Kalgoorlie Primary School is hosting a Centra professional learning opportunity, investigating the concept of entitlement and other core messages of the Australian Curriculum during term two. Please contact us if you would like more information and keep an eye on the blog for updated information.
