Current issues of particular importance and urgency

• Standardised/Benchmark Testing
  In a meeting on Wednesday 29th October 2003 with the Senior Education Advisor to Dr Brendan Nelson, Federal Minister For Education, Science & Training, a submission outlining the position of the AAPAE and its members on standardised testing was handed out. The submission can be seen here.

• Booroobin's Court Case

• State, Territory and Federal Government Reviews
  AAPAE's Submission to the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy. Information relating to the Inquiry can be found at www.dest.gov.au/schools/literacyinquiry.

• DEST Funding Agreements 2005-2008
  On or around 23rd December 2004, AAPAE member schools received letters outlining the Commonwealth of Australia's, represented by the Department of Education Science and Training, Agreement for the 2005-2008 Provision of Funding under the Schools' Assisstance (Learning Together-Achievemnet through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004.
  These letters contain Educational Requirements which may not be in accord with the philosophies, practices and constitutions of some member schools.
  Members contacted Dest and the Minister and have appeared on ABC AM programme to lobby for the right to retain choice and difference. School Council meetings are being are being held to make decisions re the implications of signing such agreements.
  Dr Nelson has replied to AAPAE's letters assuring all members that parents retain the right to "withdraw their child from standardised tests".... "accounting and reporting commitments and requirements for Government funding from 2005-2008"... including the new common national tests and to withdraw their child from "other requirements under the new legislation where there are concerns that these run counter to alternative educational philosophies."

  For more information see Australian Government Programmes for Schools Quadrennial Administrative Guidelines - 2005 to 2008. For a copy of the agreement see www.currambena.nsw.edu.au.