woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5585 B”>
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Queensland Education system underwent several changes in response to societal and technological developments. Personal computers began to make their way into schools during the 1980s, with a focus on health, regional education, and the arts. The Department of Education developed policies on the education of gifted children and special education. Computer manufacturers like Apple, Tandy, Atari, Sinclair, Amstrad, and Microbee vied for a place in the education market, with Apple Macintosh eventually becoming a standard system in most states except Western Australia.
In 1985, the Education 2000: Issues and options for the future of Education in Queensland discussion paper was released. The use of technology in education was supported, and the Department of Education developed a policy on the education of gifted children. Special Education Resource Centres were formed as state-wide services, and special education officially commenced. In 1986, the age of first attendance at primary school increased, and the P–10 Syllabus Framework was developed. Endeavour Foundation schools transferred to the Department of Education, and the Integration: Mainstreaming of Students with Special Needs policy was introduced.
In 1987, the Department of Education launched a series of documents called Meeting the Challenge, which highlighted a corporate style of management. The Department reshaped its central administration, and two new education regions were formed. The P–10 Curriculum Framework was developed, and the Roma Middle School and Alexandra Hills Senior College were opened. Two new centres of distance education also opened.
In 1988, the Inspectorate was regionalised, and there was continued development of an integrated P–10 curriculum. The senior secondary curriculum was broadened to cater for all learners, and cooperative programs between secondary schools and TAFE colleges were conducted. The use of computers and information technology in schools was given a high priority, and the Special Education Resource and Development Centres were formed. Individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced, and the National Overview of Educational Services for Isolated Severely Handicapped Children resulted from a joint project between the Commonwealth Department of Employment Education and Training and the Department of Education Division of Special Services.
In 1989, a new Education Act 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 School of Distance Education — Brisbane Centre P–12 was formed. The first high school built to a new design opened at Bribie Island.
From 1989-1990, a comprehensive internal review of the Department of Education commenced through the consultation process, Education Have Your Say. 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. The first entire primary school based on the new building model opened to students.
In 1990-1991, the report Focus on Schools was released, which led to a major restructure of the Department of Education. The Public Sector Management Commission reviewed the Department of Education and devolved greater responsibilities to 11 regions. A new English Language Arts Syllabus was introduced, and priority was given to expanding languages other than English. 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 PSMC developed guidelines for recruitment and selection based on merit and equity principles. 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.
Overall, the changes made in the Queensland Education system in the 1980s and 1990s aimed to address emerging challenges and adapt to changes in society and technology. Emphasis was placed on the use of technology in education, special education, and expanding languages other than English. The Department of Education underwent several restructures to improve management and devolve responsibilities to regions and schools.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:33:56