Independent Public Schools run risk of creating two-tier public education system

WA Greens Education Spokesperson Alison Xamon has urged government schools to think carefully about becoming Independent Public Schools, in light of a damning report which claims the policy is more about cost-cutting than student outcomes.

“The Government has sold this model on the promise of promoting choice.  But for many schools now expressing interest it is largely because they are fearing the consequences of being “left behind” if they don’t go down the path of independence.  Yet the independent research has discovered that the model doesn’t improve reading, writing or math and in the long-term will create educational hotspots and no-go zones based on socio-economic boundaries,” Ms Xamon said today.

“I think some schools are attracted to the idea of less state interference, but the research doesn’t point to long-term benefits. It found that self-managed schools do not improve student outcomes, they corrode the culture and characteristics of teaching and widen the gap between the high performing and low performing schools. These are just the obvious problems. The report also points to many other, more insidious problems,” said Ms Xamon.

Ms Xamon’s comments were made after the release of Putting the Public First? An examination of the implications of the 2009 EAC Report Part Two: Independent Public Schools by Dr Scott Fitzgerald and Professor Al Rainnie from the Curtin Graduate School of Business.

“Principals are being sold the idea with claims it will give them greater flexiblility and autonomy. But a report commissioned by the NSW government confirms that cost-cutting, rather than academic improvement was the driving force behind the idea in that State, since 150-200 full-time jobs in the Education Department could be eliminated.

“What the government is really saying to our school principles is ‘all the headaches we have regarding funding allocation, high need students, accounting and staff management are now your problem. Here’s the money, get on with it.’ Principals will have the same amount of money to run the school with less government support. How will this improve WA’s education system?

“Principals will be expected to carry out quasi-CEO roles, and to be equipped with all the skills needed for that added responsibility, which will take them away from their key educational role. Schools will need to fill other skills gaps using parents, teachers or whatever way they can at the lowest possible price.

“‘High cost items’ such as special needs children or experienced specialist and senior teachers may no longer fit the school’s economic model. This is a crude way of explaining the possible pitfalls, but unfortunately these scenarios are already playing out across Australia and the world.  

“Well-paid and qualified teachers, a smart curriculum, consistent funding and committed government support are the only ways to improve our schools. Anything else is just smoke and mirrors” added Ms Xamon.