The Tasmanian Greens today said that leaked Tasmanian Qualifications Authority data does not present a positive advertisement for the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms, and raises serious and alarming trends with dramatic declines in student performance in key areas.
Greens Education spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that while the data was a small sample, it indicates disturbing trends in a decline in student achievement in mathematics and science, a serious drop in the percentage of students completing courses of 120 credit points, as well as there being an across the board decline in the number of students doing TCE level 3 subjects (the old pre-tertiary subjects).
“This data, while being a small sample, does reflect the information and concerns raised with the Greens before the State election about the implementation of the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms, which is why we took to the election our policy to restore the integrity of our colleges as it is clear that those reforms have not been a success when it comes to ensuring improved education outcomes,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Clearly these indicators assessing the educational outcomes of the new Tasmania Tomorrow system are very disappointing and worrying, especially in the drop in numbers of students studying maths and science, the drop in percentage of students completing courses of 120 credit points, and the drop in the number of students studying pre tertiary subjects.”
“Under the so-called reformed Tasmania Tomorrow system this data indicates that the mean year 12 points score had plummeted by an approximate 20 per cent which is extremely worrying.”
“This data does not contain any information regarding the crucial areas of literacy, retention or attendance rates which we need to see as a matter of urgency.”
Mr O’Halloran reiterated that the Greens are standing by their policy to roll-back and restore colleges, and are currently working with stakeholders to ensure that the best model is delivered.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Education spokesperson
