Welcome to ALEA - Home Page
|
We want to hear from you!
Everyone's Talking!
published 15 January 10
more >>>
Teaching Awards for Excellence
published 10 December 09
more >>>
Life Membership
published 27 August 09
more >>> |
Our Association The Australian Literacy Educators' Association is dedicated to the improvement of literacy development and language learning at all levels. It provides support and professional development to educators and others interested in literacy through international, national, state and regional conferences, workshops and seminars, journals, position papers and other publications. Go to our Publications Page for more information on ALEA journals. Journal articles can also be accessed at Informit.'TAKE NOTE' : current newsATTENTION EARLY CAREER TEACHERS - applications now open for - THE 2010 LITERACY LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS FOR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION (closing 10th March 2010) If you are an early career teacher in your first 5 years of teaching with a passion for and commitment to Indigenous education, we invite you to apply. Teachers working in both remote and/or urban settings are particularly encouraged to apply, as are Indigenous teachers. This project provides the opportunity for you to develop an action learning project in your school context, with the support of an ALEA mentor. More information on the project and how to prepare your application can be found here. SPARE THE CHILDREN FROM LEAGUE TABLES' HIDDEN COSTS - Letter published in the Sydney Morning Herald 21 January 2010 League tables, school comparisons and freedom of information all may sound viable to Julia Gillard, parents and executives who are used to performance parameters applied to adults in industry, but children are not a product on a production line ("Teachers united in league table boycott", January 20.) Their self-esteem is easily damaged, often with long-term consequences. The experiences in the British system has shown us the future and, far from being a positive step, schools have become hotbeds for exam pressure and often highly inflated expectations. Schools feel compelled to teach solely for the exam results, where individual student needs are denied. A narrowing of the curriculum results, with the focus on comparative exam subjects at the expense of more creative non-examinable subjects. School closures, staff sackings, reopenings, rehirings, school name changes - all prove disruptive to students. After spending a year on teacher exchange, it was easy to see the hidden cost to students of league tables. There was an increase in absenteeism on exam days (some encouraged by staff); others were hidden from exams to allow better statistics. Consistent classroom exam practice and formal mock exams generally resulted in student dissatisfaction and stress. This resulted in further truancy, absenteeism and poor behaviour which added to teacher stress, leading to increased teacher dissatisfaction and absenteesim. School should be a positive experience and grounding for the future for all children. I can only hope Julia Gillard does not understand the total long-term ramifications of her actions on children. Otherwise her actions are of a cold-hearted politician with little regard for the future of the next generation. Janice Creenaune Austinmer Don't miss more news below the left hand menu.
MYRead ALEA Membership Page Last Updated: 21 January 2010
|
National Conference
REGISTRATIONS
AATE & ALEA Bookshop View the great range of quality publications and resources for English and literacy teachers.
2008-2009 Be sure to read the latest Annual Report presented at ALEA's AGM in July 2009, held during the Hobart conference. STELLA Standards
2009 Events
1 October 08
Would all State Representatives please send their State Events to the webmaster more >>> |
Contact the 
