The Tasmanian Government will undertake an independent review of the state’s education system, appointing Vicki Baylis to lead the targeted work.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said Tasmania’s education system is critical in supporting young Tasmanians in gaining the skills they need to fully contribute to our community and economic future, and lead their best lives.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are investing in improving literacy and our schools, so we welcome the interest in ensuring our resources and efforts are helping our learners succeed,” Minister Palmer said.
“We have delivered significant change in the education system over the past ten years, including extending high schools to years 11 and 12 and changing the law to ensure young people are in education or training.
“This is paying off with 80.2 per cent of 15-19 years old in formal education or training which is in line with the national average.
“We have recently introduced nation-leading structured literacy and phonics programs in our schools but are always open to further improving our education system, which is why the Government will undertake a transparent, independent review within the Tasmanian context.”
Vicki Baylis – an experienced and well-respected educator with over four decades of experience in Queensland and the Northern Territory – will lead this work in consultation with the Department of Education, Children and Young People, and stakeholders.
Ms Baylis will consider Tasmania’s demographic profile, socio-economic characteristics, and the relationship of all levels of education, as well as learning from other jurisdictions.
The Review will be future-focused, with the intent of further improving Tasmania’s education system, including literacy and numeracy outcomes over the next decade.
The Tasmanian Government will release the Terms of Reference in the coming weeks.
Minister Palmer said Tasmania was not unique in facing challenges within the education system regarding student pressure points and the education workforce.
“I continue to engage with stakeholders and Ministers from other jurisdictions about the key focus areas within the education system,” Minister Palmer said.
The Tasmanian Government also continues to negotiate with the Federal Government regarding the next ten-year funding agreement, with a strong focus on ensuring Tasmanian schools are fully and fairly funded.
The Review will be completed, with the report provided to the Government by the end of 2024.
