“The long term decline in students’ reading, mathematics and science as outlined in OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is highly concerning and a trend that must be reversed.
PISA is recognised across the world as the most reliable and comprehensive indicator of students’ capabilities.
Furthermore, Victoria’s most recent NAPLAN figures highlighted the devastating impact the world’s longest lockdown had on Victorian students.
Across 2020 and 2021, Victorian students experienced seven consecutively interrupted school terms and up to 171 days of lost learning during Daniel Andrews’ record breaking lockdowns.
Consequently, Victorian students have recorded the largest drop in educational outcomes of any state in the nation, with significant drops in Year 5 numeracy and grammar and Year 9 spelling.
As a former secondary school teacher, I am deeply passionate about the wellbeing and educational outcomes of students, and the recruitment and retention of our teachers.
Given the serious pressures on our students, and professional staff, I am calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into our education system.
The concerning decline must be investigated – Victoria must look at best practice in other jurisdictions and educational settings to improve outcomes and wellbeing for our students and teachers.”
