woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5587 B”>
The 1980s saw personal computers make their way into Queensland schools, with a strong focus on health, regional education, and the arts by the Queensland Education Department. In 1985, Apple Macintosh was considered a standard system for all states except Western Australia, which adopted the BBC Model B and Microbee computer systems as a standard. This era also saw many other changes, including an increase in the age of first attendance at primary school, an expansion of the curriculum in secondary schools and TAFE colleges, and the distance education trial. In 1989, a new Education Act was enacted, and the Department of Education’s first strategic plan was adopted, leading to greater devolution of responsibilities to schools and regions.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, various reports and initiatives were introduced, with a focus on continuous improvement and adapting to the needs and changing demands of society, students, and the workforce. The Education 2000: Issues and Options for the Future of Education in Queensland discussion paper was released in 1986, supporting the use of technology to enhance distance education, work in schools, and educational administration. In 1987, the Department of Education launched a series of documents entitled Meeting the Challenge, which highlighted a corporate style of management.
In 1988, the use of computers and information technology in schools was given a high priority, and there was a continued development of an integrated P–10 curriculum. The Special Education Resource and Development Centres were also formed as a consequence of the reorganization of the Division of Special Education, and individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced as part of the new policy.
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 there was an amalgamation of correspondence schools which became the School of Distance Education—Brisbane Centre P–12. The first high school built to a new design also opened at Bribie Island.
In 1989–1990, 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 also 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 also opened to students.
In 1990–1991, the report Focus on Schools was released, leading to a major restructure of the Department of Education. Greater responsibilities were devolved to 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 inspectorate ended, and 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 center for students with low incidence disabilities be established. A restructure of the Department of Education followed. 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 also introduced.
Overall, the 1980s and 1990s were a time of significant change and adaptation for the Queensland Education Department, with a strong focus on implementing new technologies, expanding the curriculum, devolving responsibilities to regions and schools, and ensuring equal opportunities for all students. These initiatives and policies continue to shape and influence education in Queensland today.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:33:59