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The authors focus on school students who have intellectual, physical and sensory impairment. This group have traditionally been segregated educationally with a separate educational structure built around them. In the authors' view there is a significant challenge for educators in making the curriculum inclusive of these students. In this paper the authors describe the nature of inclusive schooling and inclusive curricula, place the notion of inclusion in a broader social context framework and outline key aspects of strategies aimed at transition towards inclusive curricula. Show less

This article traces the evolution of outcome-based education in Australia by an examination of the relevant literature. Literature pertaining to the nature of change, its implementation by teachers and possible challenges which may be encountered when doing so, is also discussed. If changing to outcomes-based education is being considered, the author recommends the provision of high quality professional development for teachers, both in coping with change and with the implementation of those changes. Show less

This collection of papers is concerned with the education of young adolescents in Australia. The authors confirm the importance of generic principles such as making explicit the learning outcomes that are to be achieved by all students; developing effective curriculum and assessment practices; improving the quality of learning and teaching and creating flexible organisational structures and procedures. Show less

The author discusses the development of an assessment tool for Year 7 school pupils. The instrument needed to be specific to the features of the cultural context about which the writing was concerned. In addition, it would need to reflect the purpose of the activity, to reveal the capacity of the writing to have an effect upon the intended audience as well as demonstrating such features as ability to organise ideas. Show less

The paper outlines developments in educational restructuring in Australia and overseas with particular reference to associated curriculum issues. Recent developments in educational restructuring within the Queensland context are considered. Finally, a contribution is made towards creating an awareness of the variety and complexity of dilemmas emerging in teachers' conceptualisation of the nature of their curriculum work in the State. Show less

This paper discusses the complexities involved in constructing an anti-racism teacher education program. It is necessary to construct such a program so that graduating teachers enter schools prepared and willing to promote diversity within the schools and to work against discrimination in all its forms which, it has been shown, leads to the social and academic marginalisation of minority group students. It investigates prejudice and discrimination as they relate to social class, race, culture, disability, gender and sexual orientation, and encourages students to devise strategies of action for overcoming marginalisation in schools. Show less

In early 1994 the first published set of the books comprising the national curriculum statements and profiles were released. This event was the culmination of intense national collaboration in Australia. These papers discuss the statements and profiles, which have evoked considerable controversy in their short history within an educational community easily polarised by new ideas or initiatives. Show less

The outcomes-based education (OBE) project described in this article examined the shift towards OBE and the impact this had on teachers' work in general and on assessment in particular. Phase one aimed to identify changes in teaching practices, successful procedures used, key principles and strategies for quality assessment and changes in assessment practice. Phase two aimed to identify ways in which principles and strategies could be communicated, develop a pilot professional development programme based on the phase 1 findings, field test professional development products and identify the role of school administrators in the process.

The study concluded that teachers needed greater support in implementing change to OBE at the classroom level, in access to expert help and in teacher training and development. Concern is also expressed at the lack of general understanding of the requirements of the process of implementing OBE. Show less

State governments are introducing Aboriginal Studies into school curricula in response to Federal Government pressure following the report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. The aims of the curricula include raising the self-concept of Aboriginal people, improving the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and changing the attitudes of non-Aboriginals towards Aboriginal people. The author concludes that the new curriculum is unlikely to bring about a significant change in non-Aboriginal attitudes because the pervasiveness of a racist environment will inhibit change. Show less

The National Coordination and Evaluation Project involved visits to project sites around the world to identify what has been discovered during the program about improving indigenous students' learning outcomes. This article provides an overview of one project located within an area of New South Wales, including Eden, Merimbula, Narooma and Bega. Organised by the South East Regional Training and Enterprise Centre (SERTEC) in conjunction with the Skills Training Employment Program (STEP), the project focuses on Aboriginal trainees who undertook a tourism and marketing traineeship in 1998. The goal of the project was to establish supportive relationships between indigenous secondary students and mature-age trainees, aimed at enhancing the transition from school to training and work. The key objective of the program is to provide practical support for students involved in vocational learning in a cultural context and aims to expand the choices of indigenous students beyond some of the more traditional preferences. Results from this and other programs show increased self-confidence and self-esteem and increased awareness and understanding of vocational education and training opportunities. Show less