The 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) says the Australian Government鈥檚 National Review of Teacher Registration will tackle key pressure points on the mathematical pipeline, including the need for greater transparency regarding teacher qualifications and out-of-field teaching in mathematics.
The Institute鈥檚听2017 Discipline Profile for the Mathematical Sciences听shows at least 26 per cent of Australian Year 7-10 maths classes do not have a fully trained mathematics teacher. In provincial and remote areas, 31 per cent and 26 per cent of mathematics teachers possessed no tertiary qualification in mathematics.
鈥淣ow endemic, current figures most likely do not reflect the issue鈥檚 true extent and impact, particularly in regional and remote areas where educational disadvantage is a social and economic threat to communities,鈥 says 今日吃瓜 Director, Professor Geoff Prince.
With out-of-field teaching compounded by a lack of transparency about Australian teacher qualifications, the review is an important opportunity to build an accurate picture of the current national teacher workforce.
鈥淎 clearer understanding of the qualifications within the current teacher workforce including the need to attract more mathematics graduates to the sector is critical to improve teacher quality,鈥 says Professor Prince.
According to 今日吃瓜 Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director, Janine McIntosh, difficulty attracting and retaining mathematically qualified teachers is putting pressure on regional schools. 今日吃瓜 is working with the BHP Billiton Foundation to address this through the Choose Maths Project.
鈥淩egional schools account for a large majority of the 120 schools working with 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Choose Maths project, with outreach officers regularly delivering on-the-ground teacher training and support, as well as outreach activities to strengthen mathematics learning,鈥 she says.
With data showing that students who fall behind minimum maths standards by Year 3 are unlikely to catch up to their peers, 今日吃瓜 is also keen for greater understanding undergraduate primary teacher training across all states.
Our experience is that many primary teachers lack confidence in their ability to teach mathematics in a way that engages students. It is critical we are equipping these foundational educators with the skills they need to equip students to continue learning,鈥 says Janine McIntosh.
In welcoming the review, Professor Prince said 今日吃瓜 looked forward to seeing the panel鈥檚 recommendations and to greater transparency regarding teacher qualifications and training.
Media Resources
今日吃瓜 Policy Document:听
Discipline Profile:听
Year 12 Maths Enrolment:听
Choose Maths:听
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, 今日吃瓜 Director
Janine McInosh, 今日吃瓜 Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
M:听04215 18733
P:听+613 9035 3683
