Victorian Labor blames teachers
By Mary Merkenich
MELBOURNE — Earlier this month, Victorian ALP leader John Brumby announced his "zero tolerance" education policy. The policy attacks teachers, ignores the real causes of illiteracy and is much worse than the state Liberal government's policy.
There are no spending initiatives. "Under-performing" schools, as Brumby labels them, will be "reorganised" by changing school administration and teachers.
In the last six years, class sizes have ballooned and 9000 teachers have gone. Under-resourced schools rely on parent contributions and sponsorships to keep going. Teachers' working conditions are the worst for 10 years.
In this climate, to label schools as "under-performing" is a slap in the face for education workers and endorses anti-teacher propaganda usually associated with the likes of Peter Reith, Peter Costello and Jeff Kennett.
Most Victorian secondary colleges have class sizes of at least 26 students. In primary schools the sizes are even larger. Classes include integration students, with varying learning problems and/or physical disabilities. Many classes also contain students who require English as a second language assistance.
In some classes, teachers have to organise two or more lesson plans, because of the different needs of students. No extra time or compensation is given for this.
The number of classes per week teachers must teach has also increased, eating into preparation and correction time. Additionally, administrative tasks and meetings, which are obligatory, have increased.
With increased social problems, stress in schools has also grown. Marriage break-ups and family financial problems lead to children feeling angry, depressed, traumatised or unhappy. Schools are not adequately equipped to deal with these problems.
Teachers are not impressed with Brumby's blaming of schools, school administrations and teachers for the problems in the education system.