Dimensions of poverty: EducationACOSS 2011 National Conference

Kathy LandvogtGood Shepherd Youth & Family

Service

‘Education was free, because it served the public benefit’• Education should be free, secular and compulsory: Education Act Victoria 1872

Is education still a ticket to participation for all?OECD report card for Australian education

= high quality but average equityWhat went wrong?

Voluntary = -$100

Standard educational

program

Not itemised

1st policy failure: user-pays

Some parent payments have always been accepted e.g. cookery ingredients

(Warrnambool High School 1915)

But parents are being asked to pay more and more for textbooks, stationery, uniforms…

• "The technology is creating a sense of hope. This equipment gives an opportunity for students to be connected to the world and to discover

the world. It's opening these children's eyes to pathways and opportunities outside their community, which gives them hope."

IT is now essential to the standard education program everywhere

So why are parents paying for IT? And who is setting the limit?

Australia's State of Victoria is experimenting with an iPad pilot project; likely the first of many. Photo courtesy of Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

(Excursion to Lake Boga 1910)

• Camps and excursions are a long-established part of public education

But parents are still paying, and costs are going up

What parents pay• Year 7 example

Textbooks $340i-pad $682i-pad insurance $150School fees for essential items $460Leadership program (camp) $200Camp $270Locker $30Diary $15Excursions: $70 Blazer $220Rest of uniform $350

TOTAL: $2,987PLUS Voluntary contribution $200

• Year 5 example

Textbooks $75Stationery $85School fees for essential items $225Excursions $135Swimming $90Sport $60Misc uniform (Uniform already

purchased) $55

TOTAL: $725PLUS Voluntary contribution $130PLUS any extras like musical

instrument

2nd policy failure: choice and competition

Government schools forced into uneven competition with non-government schools