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Dimensions of poverty: Education. ACOSS 2011 National Conference Kathy Landvogt Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service. ‘ Education was free, because it served the public benefit’. Education should be free, secular and compulsory: Education Act Victoria 1872.
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Dimensions of poverty: Education ACOSS 2011 National Conference Kathy Landvogt Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
‘Education was free, because it served the public benefit’ • Education should be free, secular and compulsory: Education Act Victoria 1872
Is education still a ticket to participation for all? • OECD report card for Australian education • = high quality but average equity • What went wrong?
Standard educational program Voluntary = -$100 Not itemised 1st policy failure: user-pays
(Warrnambool High School 1915) Some parent payments have always been accepted e.g. cookery ingredients
But parents are being asked to pay more and more for textbooks, stationery, uniforms…
IT is now essential to the standard education program everywhere • "The technology is creating a sense of hope. This equipment gives an opportunity for students to be connected to the world and to discover the world. It's opening these children's eyes to pathways and opportunities outside their community, which gives them hope."
So why are parents paying for IT? And who is setting the limit? Australia's State of Victoria is experimenting with an iPad pilot project; likely the first of many. Photo courtesy of Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(Excursion to Lake Boga 1910) • Camps and excursions are a long-established part of public education
What parents pay • Year 7 example • Year 5 example Textbooks $340 i-pad $682 i-pad insurance $150 School fees for essential items $460 Leadership program (camp) $200 Camp $270 Locker $30 Diary $15 Excursions: $70 Blazer $220 Rest of uniform $350 TOTAL: $2,987 PLUS Voluntary contribution $200 Textbooks $75 Stationery $85 School fees for essential items $225 Excursions $135 Swimming $90 Sport $60 Misc uniform (Uniform already purchased) $55 TOTAL: $725 PLUS Voluntary contribution $130 PLUS any extras like musical instrument
Government schools forced into uneven competition with non-government schools