A national review by Emeritus Professor John Halsey investigating the difference in educational outcomes between country and city students has made 11 recommendations to address the divide.

Commissioned in 2017, the final report on the ‘Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education’ was released by the Federal Government in April 2018. It confirms the continuing relationship between location and educational outcomes, with the disadvantage of regional students evidenced by results of the National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), two international tests and other measures including successful completion of year 12 and university qualifications.

Professor Halsey’s report identified 11 recommendations and 53 actions, including four priorities:

• establishing a national focus for regional, rural and remote education, training and research to enhance access, outcomes and opportunities
• focusing on research for successful learning and building young people’s futures – school leadership, teaching, curriculum and assessment
• addressing the information communication and technology needs in regional, rural and remote locations
• focusing on the transitions into and out of school

The review was tasked to consider the issues, challenges and barriers that impact on the learning outcomes of regional students and identify new approaches to improve achievements at school and transition to further study or employment.

It took into account 340 submissions, together with the outcomes of community meetings and face-to-face consultations that were conducted by Professor Halsey’s team in 21 regional locations and every capital city.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said “Dr Halsey’s report is an important step in outlining the issues that need to be tackled.”

The report and background are available on the Department of Education and Training’s website.

(Refer also previous Flinders News article)