Australian Curriculum Studies Association conference at USC
21 September, 2005
More than 200 delegates from interstate and overseas converged
on the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) for the Biennial
Conference of the Australian Curriculum Studies Association
(ACSA).
The conference gave Queensland teachers the opportunity to
participate in a peak national curriculum conference.
According to USC Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Thomas, ACSA is
a key stakeholder in Australian education and he is pleased the
University is able to host such an important conference.
"Given that our teacher education program commenced earlier this
year, it is exciting to see a key event in the educational calendar
happening on our campus," Professor Thomas said. "Delegates have
come to this conference from interstate and overseas."
Senior Lecturer in Education at USC, Dr Jennifer Nayler, has
worked with local educators, Queensland ACSA members and the
national secretariat of ACSA on the organising committee for the
conference.
"The theme of the conference was 'Blurring the boundaries:
Sharpening the focus'," Dr Nayler said.
"This theme provided a space for conference delegates to
consider key issues, such as teaching and learning in the middle
phase, as well as assessment, literacy and numeracy across all
phases of learning. Our conference was about exploring issues,
problem-solving and building greater innovation in schooling."
The University supports the work of the Australian Curriculum
Studies Association in other ways. Dr Jennifer Nayler is the Editor
of the association's journal for teachers, the Primary and Middle
Years Educator. According to Dr Nayler, this journal, which is
published nationally three times, provides teachers with practical
ideas for the classroom.
"ACSA and its journal the Primary and Middle Years Educators has
featured the best practice of numerous local schools on the Coast,"
Dr Nayler said.
The conference ran from 21 to 23 September.
Conference keynote speakers are at the forefront of curriculum
practice and research, internationally and nationally and included
Dr Jean Clandinin from the University of Alberta, Canada, Professor
Jane Kenway, Monash University, Lisa-Jane O'Connor, Principal of
Elizabeth Vale School, South Australia and other presenters.
There was be a panel session at the conference with
representatives from schools which are doing extraordinary things
for students with high needs. The schools featured have populations
of low SES, refugee, homeless, pregnant and parenting, and
indigenous students.
A feature of the conference is the Garth Boomer Address and the
presentation of the Garth Boomer Award. This year the address will
be given by Dr Paul Brock. The Award honours the substantial
contribution Garth Boomer made to educational thinking and
practice. Recipients receive a certificate and $1000 to support
their further work and one member of the team will be ACSA's guest
at the conference. For information on the award criteria, see the
ACSA website: http://www.acsainc.com.au/