woodworking at TAFE, South Brisbane, Elizabeth Smith Education, September 1987 Dept No.BW87-5586 B”>
During the 1980s, personal computers made their way into schools in Queensland, with a strong focus on health, regional education, and the arts. Various computer manufacturers were vying for a foothold in the education market, including Apple, Tandy, Atari, Sinclair, Amstrad, Microbee, and more. By 1985, the 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.
In 1985, a discussion paper called “Education 2000: Issues and options for the future of Education in Queensland” was released. The use of technology to enhance distance education, work in schools, and educational administration was supported. Other developments included the formation of Special Education Resource Centres, the official commencement of early special education, and the development of a policy on the education of gifted children.
The following year, in 1986, there was an expansion of the curriculum in secondary schools and TAFE colleges, as well as the development of a Preschool to Year 10 (P–10) Syllabus Framework. The distance education trial began through the Mt Isa School of the Air. In 1987, the Department of Education launched a series of documents entitled “Meeting the Challenge,” which highlighted a corporate style of management. Two new education regions were formed, and the P–10 Curriculum Framework was developed and curriculum documents revised.
In 1988, the use of computers and information technology in schools was given a high priority. The senior secondary curriculum was broadened to cater for all learners, and cooperative programs between secondary schools and TAFE colleges were conducted. The report “National Overview of Educational Services for Isolated Severely Handicapped Children” resulted from a Project of National Significance undertaken as a joint project of the Commonwealth Department of Employment Education and Training and the Department of Education Division of Special Services. Individual education plans for students with disabilities were introduced as part of the new policy called “Policy Statement 16: Policy and Practice for Special Education 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 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.” The Offices of Higher Education and Non-State Schooling were established, and The Corporate Vision for Senior Schooling in Queensland was developed 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 to 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. The Viviani Report recommended the establishment of the Tertiary Entrance Procedures Authority, and consultants were engaged to assist in the development of an Equal Employment Opportunity management plan. The inspectorate ended, and policy Statement — Management of Support Teaching: Learning Difficulties (P–7) was introduced.
In summary, the 1980s and early 1990s saw significant developments in education in Queensland, including the introduction of personal computers in schools and the expansion of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools. Policies and programs were developed to support the education of gifted children and students with disabilities. There were also changes in the management of education, with greater responsibilities devolved to regional offices and the introduction of guidelines for recruitment and selection based on merit and equity principles.
Posted by Queensland State Archives on 2022-12-22 06:33:57