VIC: 600 more teachers, 35 new schools coalition promise

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-1999
VIC: 600 more teachers, 35 new schools coalition promise

MELBOURNE, Aug 25 AAP - The Victorian Government today pledged to employ 600 extra teachers
and school counsellors and provide 35 new state schools, as one of the key planks of its
election platform.

Premier Jeff Kennett said education would be the government's first priority if it was
re-elected at the September 18 poll.

Its new schools agenda would include a greater focus on the basics of reading, writing,
science and maths; a $10 million boost for vocational education; and $40 million to upgrade
computer equipment.

Mr Kennett said student welfare would receive more attention, with $28.3 million earmarked
to employ 200 counsellors in secondary schools and 400 teachers in primary schools next year.

"Every school in the state will benefit, with primary school principals freed up to deal
with the welfare needs of students, to better assist families and allow teachers more time to
concentrate on classroom activities," he said.

The government would actively encourage students into the growth areas of science, maths
and information technology, and provide a standardised test to rate computer skills.

Mr Kennett said the coalition planned to spend $2.8 billion over the next ten years on
capital works, including the building of 30 primary and five secondary schools.

It would eliminate the current $136 million maintenance backlog by 2002, and provide
funding for other capital works such as airconditioning in portable classrooms.

Other goals and initiatives include:

* Victorian students to be among the top five in the world in maths and science by 2005,

* Encouragement to prep students to write a book, with the government publishing the top
ten efforts, as part of a plan to encourage reading,

* $3.8 million for a Distance Education Centre,

* Programs to encourage young men into primary teaching,

* $500,000 for professional development for rural teachers, and

* Extend the self-governing schools program to an estimated 400 schools by 2003.

AAP kmh/er/it

KEYWORD: POLLVIC EDUCATION

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