The largest review of the state education system since the COVID-19 pandemic is recommending the introduction of a phonics test for year one students in all Victorian Government schools.
The 40-word test (including 20 pseudo words) would be in line with the Commonwealth Phonics Check and aim to have 90 per cent of students reaching the expected level of reading and writing by the end of Year Two.
The proposal is one of 54 recommendations contained in the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee report.
The report, tabled in the Victorian Parliament late on Tuesday 15 October, also recommended that the curriculum be reviewed to remove overcrowding, and that the government set measurable goals for its $1.2 billion Small Group Tutoring program.
The 15-month Upper House probe looked closely at learning outcomes, support for students, the teaching workforce, student wellbeing and funding of government schools.
Fast-tracking employment of subject matter experts in schools and an internship program for aspiring educators are two measures suggested by the Committee to attract and retain teachers.
The Department of Education is also encouraged to provide further help for teachers to deliver the curriculum, by giving them more resources and guidance to develop lesson plans.
Increasing support for flexible learning options is another key focus, and the Victorian Government is urged to lobby the Commonwealth for more funding for state-run schools, to bring them in line with non-government schools.
Mr Trung Luu, Committee Chair, said everyone agreed that public schools are underfunded.
“There is a longstanding debate between the Commonwealth and States and Territories – a debate which has gone on for far too long,” he said.
“It is imperative governments confine this debate to the past by giving government schools the funding they need to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The inquiry received 274 submissions before members of the Committee travelled to the regional towns of Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Bendigo and Shepparton to gather evidence.
The Committee heard from parents, teachers and students, including from the Victorian Student Representative Council.
Many witnesses also had their say at further days of public hearings held in Melbourne.
“On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank everyone who made a submission to this inquiry and spoke with us at our public hearings,” Mr Luu said.
“The Committee greatly appreciated being able to hear from parents, students, teachers and experts in this field.
“We hope this report can help the public understand the work done by the Department of Education, as well as providing suggestions on how the Department can better meet the needs of Victorians.”
Full public hearing transcripts and the report are published on the Committee’s website.
