The Gonski Institute for Education at UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture has published two documents that map out a plan for making a real difference to educational outcomes for students in rural and regional communities.
The first is a Statement of Outcomes, of the Rural and Regional Roundtable organised by the Gonski Institute for Education earlier in the year. It distils the collective wisdom of 25 leaders from several states and territories representing not-for-profits, professionals, parent and principals’ associations, government entities, education systems, and universities.
There is an urgent need to address the gaps in academic outcomes between students in rural and regional schools and their metropolitan peers. These disparities, coupled with the challenges in attracting and retaining teachers, demand immediate attention.
“Well-intentioned efforts to incentivise teaching in these schools have had a limited effect, and the issues are often characterised as intractable,” says Professor Kim Beswick, Director of the Gonski Institute for Education. “There is a clear and urgent need for new thinking.”
The outcomes identified include recognising the untapped resources within rural and regional communities, better supporting the rural and regional education workforce through community, and the government’s role in developing equity-based policies.
The second publication is a Research Program that lays out short, medium and long-term research goals that will move the field forward. Notably, the research program includes a practical focus. At the end of 7 years, it aims to have:
- Raised the performance of all schools in regional, rural and remote (RRR) Australia,
- Narrowed performance gaps (academic attainment, wellbeing, attendance),
- Expanded professional development of the RRR workforce,
- Created an environment of sustainable improvement in RRR schools,
- Contributed substantially to the research and evidence base in RRR education.
“This work is a testament to the Gonski Institute’s unwavering commitment to conducting rigorous research that is practically focused,” Prof. Beswick says. “Our goal is to enhance equity in Australian education and ensure all students, regardless of their school location, have access to high-quality education.”
Contact details:
Prof. Kim Beswick:
k.beswick@unsw.edu.au
