We need better returns on education investment

Every year, parents are told that education is a priority. That more money is going into schools, and this will fix poor results.

But when new NAPLAN results come out, the story is the same as last year — and the year before. About one in three students in NSW is still not meeting the expected standard in reading or maths.

For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, a majority don’t reach proficiency.

A student living in remote NSW is twice as likely to enter senior schooling without fundamental reading skills than one living in Sydney. Even one in six Year 9 students whose parents have a university education aren’t making the grade in reading.

There’s no shortage of goodwill from teachers, from parents, and from taxpayers. But good intentions are not translating into better outcomes.

Billions of dollars have been poured into school funding in the state over the past decade — to the tune of around $28 billion per year and more than $22,000 for each student. Taxpayers deserve better than a system that spends more every year but keeps delivering the same results.

The secret is out about what works in classrooms across the state. When students get great teaching, their learning follows. The gaps faced by disadvantaged students can be overcome — when schools are given the tools and expertise to excel.

We must highlight and multiply our successful schools, not hide them under the culture of tall poppy syndrome. Where schools are serving their students well, their practice should be spotlighted and others supported to follow their lead. Success can be contagious — if it’s allowed to be.

Teachers need access to evidence-based tools that help them screen every child for early difficulties in reading and numeracy. When kids need extra help, parents and teachers should be able to trust the additional support students receive will help close educational gaps.

Though results have been disappointing over the past few years, we must ensure that by this time next year, there are better outcomes to celebrate: more students on track, more schools equipped to succeed, and greater confidence educational investment is paying off.

Glenn Fahey is director and Trisha Jha is research fellow in Centre for Independent Studies’ education policy team.