"What intensifies the conflict is that both sides actually agree on a core point - that NAPLAN provides valuable information. In fact, Gillard and teacher unions present a similar argument that the national tests are not to be taken lightly."
So what valuable information is provided by NAPLAN and to whom?
Should the results be made available only to Governments, their Departments and schools? Even if restricted to these bodies how would this prevent "teaching to the test","the promotion of a professional culture that teaches to a test" and “exacerbat(ing) the tensions between quality teaching and learning."?
I would have thought the incredible number of "hits" on the MySchool website is indicative of public support for publication of the NAPLAN results. But then I guess the general public are pretty stupid.

The single most feared thing for unions is performance measurement.

The Myschool website is the thin edge of the wedge. If they lose this then the next dreaded step is to measure the performance of the teachers.

Next they might even challenge the seniority only based promotions.

This heresy must be blocked at every step.

Yes, the union is terrified that the parents will learn that around 10% of them are totally incompetent, & should be given their marching orders. It is disgusting that they think so little of our kids, that they would rather destroy the educational opportunity of so many of them than get rid of their useless members.

As for teaching to a test, well, that would be a novel experience for all too many of our kids. To actually have a teacher teach them something, would probably take their breath away.

Remember Hawke and the airline pilots?

Remember Hawke and the airline pilots?
Posted by Cheryl, Thursday, 29 April 2010 10:52:14 AM

Only vaguely Cheryl please jog my memory .

This crap has a similar past , and the Teachers won , it was a bitter and prolonged battle that ended with Athletics teachers attempting to 'Do' Maths and Parents teaching English and in a few instances Senior Kids in remote places teaching . A large number of Maths teachers resigned to sign up with Commerce .

So why can't Eastern Teachers take on the Dreaded Loony Academics and Dewey Eye'd Political Dreamers in the Eastern States and win. To get an idea how Fruit Cakes can muck up Education , check out this site :

http://www.platowa.com/Breaking_News/2006/2006_05_29.html#Wanted