I think it is unfortunate that the elephant in the room, the impact of the growing private school sector (fed by federal government largesse) is having on overall student performance. As public/private ratios have worsened in this country so has our position in the international rankings. This is the big experiment that has been so detrimental and one that hardly ever gets discussed.

shocking all those taxpayers who pay twice for schooling subsiding those in the public system. now that is the 'élephant 'in the room.

SR,

The private sector is the only reason that Australia has not fallen further behind.

The average cost per public student to state and federal governments was about $15 500 p.a. whereas the private /independent students got about $8500. The private and independent schools vastly out performed the public schools, and for this get the envy and vitriol from the left.

In typical illogical fashion, the left whingers concept of improving Australian outcomes is by crippling the best performers.

To SteelRedux,

Privatisation by itself is not necessarily the problem, but it has certainly had unintended consequences. It is a complex issue - and too complex for ideologues whether of the left or right.

It is worth an OnLine piece

My daughter started primary school in 1995 when the SA gov't introduced the basic skills test. Through the first 3 years her reports were all reasonable yet when 8 yo shortly after I gained custody she did the year 3 basic skills test she finished bottom in every facet of that test and was placed in the Special Needs class. This I believe was primarily caused by missing months of school every term and getting no support at home from her mother as in fact the school reported. Mr Pyne is exactly right regarding getting parents more involved in their children's education. Without that test I would not have known how badly off my daughter was. Two years later she was in the top 10% in the school. A further 2 years on she was on a list for a class for Gifted and talented children. At 21 yo she completed a 4 year Psychology degree with first class honours and won the university medal. Now 23 she is already more than halfway through a PHD in Forensic psychology. Mr Pyne deserves a huge pat on the back. High time parents were more involved.

To eyeinthesky;

As a former secondary teacher myself I realise how much can be achieved when parents and teachers work together and your experience, and its great outcome, highlights this. I would certainly support any educational leader, including Mr Pyne, who stresses this.
Thanks for sharing your experience.