The Education Council has agreed to $50m in funding towards national evidence institute – a key recommendation of the ‘Gonski 2.0’ review.
The institute aims to boost Australian students’ outcomes through the use of world-leading educational research. The funding will also be used to appoint the institute’s inaugural director, Dr Jenny Donovan will be the inaugural director, who will take up her position on 1 July 2020.
Dr Donovan’s first priorities will be to consult with stakeholders, establish the institute’s key relationships, and begin developing its initial research agenda.
Federal Education Minister, Dan Tehan, said the Federal Government will provide $25m to fund the institute with the states and territories contributing the other half.
“The institute will research and collate effective teaching and learning practices and share them with teachers, principals and educators to help drive further improvements in Australia’s education system,” Minister Tehan said.
On Friday, Education ministers also agreed to the terms of reference for the long-awaited review of the Australian Curriculum.
“We welcome the opportunity to ensure the national curriculum continues to meet the needs of students,” ACARA CEO, David de Carvalho, said.
“The Australian Curriculum is well regarded, however, as it has been in place for some years now, it is timely that it be reviewed”.
Minister Tehan said the national evidence institute and the review of the Australian Curriculum are “two significant steps” towards improving student outcomes.
“We want our students to get a world-leading education to help set them on the path to future success,” he said.