December 4, 2024
 

The Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA) notes the release of the 2024 My School data, acknowledging the achievements of schools and systems demonstrating improved student outcomes. ASPA President, Andy Mison, commends ACARA's emphasis on "schools making a difference," and attempts to shift the focus away from simplistic league tables.

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"It's vital to celebrate the successes of schools and their positive impact on children's lives," stated Mr. Mison. "The 2024 data showcases numerous examples of schools effectively enhancing student learning. We particularly applaud the improvements in literacy observed in schools and systems prioritising reading skills, a fundamental foundation for lifelong learning."

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"It's remarkable to see the strong performance of our public schools, especially considering they are funded well below the Schooling Resource Standard in all states and territories except the ACT. This achievement underscores the dedication and hard work of teachers, principals, and school communities striving to provide quality education despite significant resource constraints. It also highlights the urgent need to address funding inequities and ensure that all public schools receive the resources they need to meet the diverse learning needs of their students."

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While ASPA supports transparency and accountability in education, Mr. Mison expressed ongoing concerns about media narratives that predominantly suggest "winners and losers," within a narrow and flawed conception of education as a competitive industry.

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"The current reporting tends to favour schools already benefiting from socio-economic advantages, such as high fee-paying private schools and selective public schools," he noted. "This reinforces the growing segregation within Australia's education system and underscores the inequitable distribution of opportunities for students from different backgrounds."

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ASPA remains apprehensive about the potential for My School data to exacerbate the residualisation of disadvantaged students. Mr. Mison explained, "Publishing individual school results can lead to declining enrolments and resource allocation in schools perceived as less desirable, creating a downward spiral that further diminishes their capacity to support student learning."

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"We must remember that behind every school's brand are hundreds of diverse individual students, each with unique talents and challenges. Supporting the growth and success of every student requires a collective effort and a commitment to equitable resource allocation. This means investing properly in all our schools, guided by fair and consistent funding rules and arrangements. Focusing solely on competition overlooks the fundamental principle that every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their background or school."

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ASPA knows the importance of data-driven improvement in education but cautions against fostering unhealthy competition between schools. "While the data is invaluable for informing system and school improvement strategies, we believe that the competitive environment fueled by My School is detrimental to the overall well-being of students and the long-term future of Australian education," Mr. Mison concluded.

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ASPA calls for a more nuanced and balanced approach to media reporting on My School data, one that celebrates progress while acknowledging the complex factors influencing student outcomes and advocating for equitable educational opportunities for all Australian students.

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Media enquiries: Andy Mison 0400 202 088