Breaks from work and education, Year 12 standards and school funding
Steven Mascaro, posted 24 November, 2005

The latest report released by ACER finds that 64 percent of  young Australians (aged 22 on average) have taken a break from work or education. For most, the breaks were 1-3 months in length. However, some went through longer periods; this included those who had not achieved highly at school, those without a Year 12 certificate, women and those with health problems or disabilities. (Press release; Executive summary; Young people outside labour force and full-time education: activities and profiles.)

The federal government has released a document describing the scope and aims of a study comparing Year 12 standards across Australia in 4 key subjects. The 4 subjects under analysis are English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry. (Comparing Year 12 standards in key subjects; VCE poised to give way to national qualification; Study to find if Year 12 makes the grade.)

The Victorian government is planning a change to the way it allocates funding to government schools. The change will be to fund school upgrades conditional on the school having a plan to improve student performance. Otherwise, schools with low enrolments and poor performance will be encouraged to merge with neighbouring schools. (Schools to close over poor results.)

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