The ACT Government has today announced that the University of Canberra Affiliated Schools program is expanding with five more schools taking on action research projects and a specialist school setting introducing UC-facilitated teacher training and professional learning.
The UC Affiliated Schools program allows schools to connect with the University of Canberra as part of training student teachers, developing teachers in the field, and action research. Action research is an approach to ‘learning while doing’ that allows teachers to develop and evaluate innovative approaches to meeting the learning needs of school students.
Schools joining the program initially have access to UC-facilitated professional learning for teachers, professional experience placements and school-based clinics.
Black Mountain School, a specialist secondary school for students with a disability has joined the program, taking the total number of affiliate schools to 26.
The addition of Black Mountain School will improve opportunities for pre-service teachers at the University of Canberra to complete a professional experience placement in a specialist school setting, as well as allowing specialist teachers to better share their expertise and strengthen the capability of teachers across ACT schools.
As part of the program a growing number of schools are also receiving additional government funding to appoint a program coordinator to help them undertake school-based research projects.
The next five schools that will take part in action research projects in 2020 are:
- Margaret Hendry School
- Arawang Primary School
- Bonython Primary School
- Mount Stromlo High School
- Southern Cross Early Childhood School
With the addition of these five schools, there are now 10 schools in Canberra working with the UC on new and improved approaches to helping kids learn.
Through the program, students at Margaret Hendry School will benefit from more teachers on hand at the school. Staff will benefit from the opportunity to observe training and newly graduated teachers, provide them with feedback and assist in shaping the skills of their future colleagues.
The UC Affiliated Schools Program enhances preservice teacher education through school-based clinics and professional experience placements to ensure teaching graduates are well equipped to enter the workforce.
Another key component of the program is collaborative research between UC academics, school leaders and teachers to inform policy direction to support school and system improvement. The research is a key output of the Future of Education First Phase Implementation Plan and will improve evidence-informed teaching practices to enhance student learning in ACT public schools.
