woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5585 C”>
In the 1980s, personal computers began making their way into schools in Queensland with a focus on health, regional education, and the arts. The use of technology was seen as a way to enhance distance education, work in schools, and educational administration. Different computer manufacturers such as Apple, Tandy, Atari, Sinclair, Amstrad, and Microbee vied for a foothold in the education market, and by 1985, Apple Macintosh was considered a standard system for all states except Western Australia, which adopted the BBC Model B and Microbee computer systems.
Throughout the mid to late 1980s, the Queensland Department of Education made significant changes to the education system. In 1985, the Department of Education developed a policy on the education of gifted children, and the Special Education Resource Centres were formed as state-wide services as part of the Division of Special Education. Additionally, early special education officially commenced.
In 1986, the age of first attendance at primary school increased, and the curriculum in secondary schools and TAFE colleges expanded in the further development of co-operative secondary-TAFE programs. The Advisory Committee which reviewed submissions made in response to Education 2000 reported to the Minister. The distance education trial began through the Mt Isa School of the Air, and a Preschool to Year 10 (P–10) Syllabus Framework was developed. Moreover, the Endeavour Foundation schools transferred to the Department of Education, and the Policy Statement 15 Integration: Mainstreaming of Students with Special Needs was introduced.
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 regions, initiatives were built on the commitment to decentralisation.
In 1988, the use of computers and information technology in schools was given a high priority, and the Inspectorate was regionalised. The special education resource and development centres were formed as a consequence of the reorganisation of the Division of Special Education. Individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced as part of the new policy Policy Statement 16: Policy and Practice for Special Education Services. Additional programs for students with vision impairments were introduced during this period.
In 1989, a new Education Act 1989 was enacted, and the Department of Education’s first strategic plan was adopted, devolving decisions about school budgets to the school level. A new high school built to a new design opened at Bribie Island, and new prototype buildings for preschool, primary and special education units were assessed.
From 1989 to 1990, a comprehensive internal review of the Department of Education commenced through the consultation process, Education Have Your Say. Professor Nancy Viviani reviewed Tertiary Entrance and produced the report, A Review of Tertiary Entrance in Queensland. The Offices of Higher Education and Non-State Schooling were established. The Department developed The Corporate Vision for Senior Schooling in Queensland to accommodate the diverse needs of students in Years 11 and 12.
In 1990-1991, the report, Focus on Schools, was released, and a major restructure of the Department of Education followed. Greater responsibilities were devolved to 11 regions for resource, financial administration, and human resource management. A new English Language Arts Syllabus was introduced, and priority was given to expanding languages other than English (LOTE). The Viviani Report recommended the establishment of the Tertiary Entrance Procedures Authority (TEPA), and consultants were engaged to assist in the development of an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) management plan.
The Equity Directorate (Workforce and Studies) was established, and a social justice strategy was developed. The PSMC developed guidelines for recruitment and selection based on merit and equity principles. The inspectorate ended. The report Focus on Schools recommended that a strategy for managing the integration policy in Queensland schools be developed as a matter of urgency, and that a state-wide support centre for students with low incidence disabilities be established.
In conclusion, the 1980s and early 1990s were an important period of change and innovation in the education system in Queensland. The introduction of personal computers and the prioritization of technology was just one aspect of the changes that aimed to better prepare young Queenslanders for life in the 1990s. The Department of Education introduced various policies and programs related to special education, distance learning, and the integration of students with disabilities into mainstream schools. The restructure of the Department of Education and the establishment of various committees and directorates also aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the education system in Queensland.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:33:57