What would be your ideal policy?

[Sarasvati]

I'm getting involved in drafting the QLD Green's education policy and I have brought up home education as lacking in the document. I;ve been asked what I would like to see and thought I would throw it out there. Without making it too involved, what would you like to see in a policy document about education? I wanted to put something about provisions for natural learning families (i.e. no curriculum, perhaps a retrospective of the year instead of a prediction). What would YOU write?

[~*heket*~]

Yes, the natural learning definitely needs some attention. And registration too. It's a pita!

[Beatrice]

I like the Victorian model :)

[Beau]

Well...what about the declaration that every parent has the right to choose how to educate their child? That needs to be 'out there' more....

And yep...definitely something about Natural Learning. Not sure what though. Its so far out of 'their' comfort zones I would'nt know how to word it.

[cgull]

It's a while since I looked at Greens policy, but they're into decentralisation/small-is-beautiful aren't they? I'd like to see that applied to schools - local communities are in control of the schools that serve them, and each family has the right to decide to what extent they make use of the service, same as other educational resources like libraries and museums - with minimal government interference.

Re natural learning, how about: "Parents should be free to operate within their own thoughtfully considered philosophy of education, unless there is clear evidence of neglect." I'm not sure that the neglect bit is really necessary - it should be covered in other policies - but it might make policy-writers more comfortable.

Need to include something about funding being made available to everyone equally, whether they use school services or not.

[Sarasvati]

ok our state election has been called, some feedback please? It is only a little part of the education policy as I don't have time to do anything else. But it gets it in there!

The Greens recognise a parent’s right to choose the educational mode that is right for their child.
The Greens recognise home education as a valid educational mode. Home education spans distance education, homeschooling based on a curriculum (pre-existing or parent-devised), and the natural learning philosophy. Parents should register and advise which educational philosophy they follow.
Parents who are home educating take responsibility for their child’s learning, and should ensure children have access to a wide range of learning experiences and tools. Parents who register will be provided with practical support and will be able to access activities offered by the local state school.

[Ceres]

Something about terms of approval for homeschooling? I believe in vic once you're registered, that's it, whereas here in SA you get conditional approval for periods of time ranging from a month to 2 years before you get another visit from the liason officer.

[bella]

Parents should register and advise which educational philosophy they follow.


I like it, but for this. Is there room for registration to be non-compulsory? I'm okay with registration being tied to incentives such as financial support and other support as mentioned, but I'd like for there to be a legal option for those who choose not to register at all.

[Sarasvati]

Wasn't included anyway *sigh*. The election was called early and there is a small group of volunteers, I think they just put it in the too hard basket for now (wanting to get the policy up quickly). At least I know that their policies are just a starting point and not set in stone but gah!