The politics of language, framing and discourse
Paul Kringas explores the use and manipulation of language in politics. He draws attention to obvious examples such as the ‘war on terror’, ‘tax relief’ that distort debate, as well equally powerful but more...
Education Vision for 2015
Don Aitkin imagines an education system with high school retention rates of 90%, increased focus on unlocking creative potential, an emphasis on competence rather than winning, specialist high schools, better paid and educated teachers...
Educating to disadvantage: A Student’s view of the Culture of Common Sense
Bob Crombie writes, ‘Coherent education policy is a good place to start making good sense common. Equality of opportunity is already common sense, and education policy should consistently reflect that value.’
Wayward Reform: Voluntary Student Unionism
Michael Richardson acknowledges that not all student organisations are perfect but explains why the federal government's proposed Voluntary Student Unionism Legislation goes too far
Simpson’s donkey, hijabs and education policy
Lyndsay Connors explains how the government’s commitment to ‘freedom of choice’ has caused problems that have manifest themselves in the debate about values in schools and uniforms.
Values, Education and Engaging Young Australia
Michael Richardson continues the values debate from a younger perspective.
Aspiring to opt out
Ian McAuley states 'When governments encourage or force the better-off to opt out they talk about choice, but, far from extending our choice, we are denied choice – in this case the choice of...
Rethinking education continued
Don Aitkin continues his discussion of educational systems. He believes they ‘will reproduce the existing social order very easily unless something is done to alter things. Reiterating that equality is the rule, and that...
Rethinking education
Don Aitkin argues that our schools and the way we construct them, with winners and losers defined largely in terms of the child's upbringing, are contributing to the problem. We can make them part...
A better future: Options for reform
Reform principles In Australia, the State level of government is particularly responsive to differences in the circumstances and preferences of, say, North Queensland versus Tasmanian families. On the other hand, the Federal Government’s role...