woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5587 C”>
During the 1980s, personal computers began to make their way into schools throughout Queensland, and the state’s Department of Education placed a strong emphasis on improving education in health, the arts, and regional areas. Several computer manufacturers, including Apple, Tandy, Atari, Sinclair, Amstrad, and Microbee, vied for a stake in the education market. By 1985, Apple Macintosh was considered the standard system for all states except Western Australia, which adopted the BBC Model B and Microbee computer systems.
Education developments in Queensland throughout the decade included the release of the discussion paper Education 2000, which supported the use of technology in education, the development of policies surrounding gifted and special education, and the expansion of the curriculum in secondary schools and TAFE colleges. The P-10 Syllabus Framework was developed, and the Department of Education launched a series of documents called Meeting the Challenge, which highlighted a corporate style of management. New education regions were formed, and individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced.
By 1989, the Education Act of 1989 had been enacted, and the first strategic plan for the Department of Education was adopted. School budgets were devolved to the school level, and the amalgamation of correspondence schools led to the formation of the School of Distance Education—Brisbane Centre P-12. A new building model was introduced for schools, and a comprehensive internal review of the Department of Education commenced through the consultation process called Education Have Your Say.
Throughout the early 1990s, further developments occurred in the Department of Education. Focus on Schools, a report released during this period, led to major restructuring, and greater responsibilities were devolved to 11 regions. The Viviani Report recommended the establishment of the Tertiary Entrance Procedures Authority, and consultants were engaged to develop an Equal Employment Opportunity management plan. The inspectorate ended, and occupational therapists and physiotherapists were employed to work with students with disabilities.
Overall, the developments in education in Queensland throughout the 1980s and 1990s represented a shift towards a more inclusive and technologically advanced educational system. Innovations in computer technology, the expansion of curricula, and the introduction of policies aimed at meeting the needs of students with disabilities helped to shape the educational landscape of Queensland for decades to come.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:34:00