The Tasmanian Government has released the Final Report of the Independent Review of Education in Tasmania, which identifies four areas of improvement.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Tasmanian Government’s focus to improve Tasmania’s education system over the next decade is a key part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
“From the Report, we have identified four areas where we can take immediate action to achieve improved outcomes,” Ms Palmer said.
“These include supercharging our literacy strategy, improving school staff wellbeing, ensuring alignment between our education system and the University of Tasmania, and getting ready to trial a multi-school organisation model.
“I am excited to begin the 2025 school year with this report in front of us, allowing us to take initial action while working with stakeholders to map out our pathway forward.”
Ms Palmer said the Report highlights that the state’s Lifting Literacy approach is working and it is already seeing results from its investment.
“We will continue these efforts, while investing record amounts into school upgrades and new builds; providing more support for students with a disability; increasing VET courses across all secondary schools and colleges and continuing to grow our skilled education workforce,” she said.
“We have delivered significant change in the education system over the past ten years, including extending high schools to years 11 and 12 and changing the law to ensure young people are in education or training.”
She said the Report provides a roadmap for the next generation of learners, giving them the best chance of success.
“I want to acknowledge Ms Vicki Baylis for undertaking the Review and thank the hundreds of individuals and stakeholder groups who provided feedback through the consultation process.”
Independent Reviewer, Ms Vicki Baylis, said it had been a privilege to lead this Review and to have had the opportunity to talk with Tasmania’s children, young people, educators and adults who care deeply about Tasmania’s future.
“I appreciated the frankness and honesty with which people shared their insights about what was working, what was possible and what was missing,” Ms Baylis said.
“There is a strong sense of optimism and belief that Tasmania has a great opportunity to create a high performing education system across all schooling sectors.
“As a small jurisdiction, Tasmania’s Education System will need to follow the evidence and choose where to invest energy, effort and resources to make the greatest gains.”
Ms Baylis said the approach taken with the Lifting Literacy initiative could act as an exemplar for how any other priorities are pursued over the next decade.
“Building on the strengths of what exists and being intentional about what matters is the job of Governments, schools, families, communities, businesses and employers.
“Together, you ensure Tasmania’s children and young people are supported to succeed in life.”
The Review included broad consultation with 96 submissions to the public consultation paper, 927 responses to the educator, family and Tasmanian community survey, and 462 responses to the student survey.
The Final Report can be found here.
