woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5587 A”>
The 1980s in Queensland saw the introduction of personal computers in schools with a strong emphasis on health, regional education, and the arts by the Queensland Education department. Different computer manufacturers were competing for a foothold in the education market, with Apple emerging as a standard system nationwide except for Western Australia, which adopted BBC Model B and Microbee computer systems.
In 1985, Education 2000: Issues and options for the future of Education in Queensland was released, which supported the use of technology in education, and the Department of Education developed a policy for the education of gifted children. The same year, Apple Macintosh was considered a standard system along with other computer systems for all states, except Western Australia.
In 1986, the age of first attendance at primary school increased, and there was an expansion of the curriculum in secondary schools and TAFE colleges evidenced by the further development of cooperative secondary-TAFE programs. A Preschool to Year 10 (P–10) Syllabus Framework was developed, and the Special Education Resource Centres were formed as state-wide services.
In 1987, the Department of Education launched a series of documents entitled Meeting the Challenge which highlighted a corporate style of management. The department reshaped its central administration by strengthening the role of the Policy Committee, appointing a Chief Inspector, and adopting comprehensive strategic planning processes.
In 1988, the Inspectorate was regionalized, the senior secondary curriculum was broadened to cater for all learners, and cooperative programs between secondary schools and TAFE colleges were conducted. The Special Education Resource and Development Centres were formed as a consequence of the reorganization of the Division of Special Education, and Individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced.
In 1989, a new Education Act 1989 was enacted, and the Department of Education’s first strategic plan was adopted. Decisions about school budgets were devolved to the school level, and the first high school built to a new design opened at Bribie Island. An amalgamation of correspondence schools became the School of Distance Education—Brisbane Centre P–12.
From 1989 to 1990, a comprehensive internal review of the Department of Education commenced through the consultation process Education Have Your Say. Greater responsibilities were devolved to 11 regions for resource, financial administration, and human resource management. A new English Language Arts Syllabus was introduced, and the Viviani Report recommended the establishment of the Tertiary Entrance Procedures Authority (TEPA).
In 1990-1991, the report Focus on Schools was released, which recommended a state-wide support center for students with low incidence disabilities to be established. The Public Sector Management Commission reviewed the Department of Education including its role, operations, responsibilities, and management. A new social justice strategy was developed, and the Equity Directorate (Workforce and Studies) was established. A strategy for managing the integration policy in Queensland schools was developed as a matter of urgency.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists were employed by the Department of Education to work in schools with students with disabilities. Policy Statement — Management of Support Teaching: Learning Difficulties (P–7) was introduced.
In conclusion, the 80s and early 90s were significant years in Queensland’s education history, with the introduction of personal computers, the development of policies for gifted children and students with disabilities, and the decentralization of educational management. The government’s focus on a corporate style of management aimed to improve efficiency and make education accessible to everyone.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:33:59