Govt plans data agency to support education reforms

The Federal Government plans to establish a new organisation that will collect, analyse and research data required to boost the performance of schools.

The Australian School Performance Institute was announced following the weekend release of the government’s National Plan for School Improvement.

The Government said the Institute would enhance national data accountability, and help it evaluate which schools were performing and which initiatives were working to lift results.

In response to the Gonski Review of school funding, the government is proposing an additional $14.5 billion investment over the next six years. However, the plan requires funding support from the states.

“This new money comes with new ways of working to ensure every child in every school reaches their full potential,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard told journalists.

The government has also flagged the development of a national education data program that will help improve national data quality, consistency and collection.

“There must be complete transparency about how schools are striving to improve and how well they are doing,” Gillard said.

The government also plans to deliver additional information on its My School website, including the level of teacher expertise, the number of specialist teachers, and staff attendance and turnover.