When left out in the heat, foods such as meat, cheese, fish and milk will spoil and start to smell because of bacteria such as Pseudomonas. But while it’s certainly not a good idea for your child to nibble on spoiled foods, such bacteria don’t usually result in gastrointestinal symptoms. More...
Combatting online bullying is different for girls and boys: here’s why
The focus on gender in “next step” interventions is noticeably absent. Intervention protocols have viewed teenage girls’ and boys’ online interaction as more or less the same. This is a mistake. Teenage girls, especially those aged 12 to 14, are more likely than any other demographic to experience cyberbullying, and anxiety and depression after bullying episodes. More...
Visa policy for overseas students with a disability is nonsensical and discriminatory
International education is one of the pillars of economic growth in Australia. The government is committed to welcoming people who genuinely want, and can afford, to study here. More...
We have a national STEM strategy, but what we need is a successful one
Australian schools are now wrestling with a new digital technologies curriculum. In this new subject, every student in Australia will learn the fundamentals of computer science, data science and coding. More...
Classroom design should follow evidence, not architectural fads
The past decade has seen a boom in the construction of trendy buildings with visually appealing interiors in schools and universities. Proponents highlight the potential of these flexible and technology-rich spaces, referred to as innovative learning environments (ILEs), to shape behaviours to enhance student learning. More...
NSW could lead the way in educating students with a disability
For the last few years, across Australia, there have been a growing number of concerns of the provision of education for children with a disability. After representation to the NSW Parliament from parents, teachers and academics presenting evidence of discrimination and abuse, an inquiry was initiated in 2016. More...
Closing the gap in Indigenous literacy and numeracy? Not remotely – or in cities
Every year in Australia, the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results show Indigenous school students are well behind their non-Indigenous peers. Reducing this disparity is a vital part of Australia’s national Closing the Gap policy. The tenth Closing the Gap report will be published on Monday. More...
Closing the gap on Indigenous education must start with commitment and respect
There were angry rumblings at last week’s meeting of Indigenous leaders and the Prime Minister and in the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee Report. They will get significantly louder with today’s release of the 10th Annual Closing the Gap Report. More...
To really close the gap we need more Indigenous university graduates
For almost a decade now, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people carrying the hope and aspiration of their communities have made an annual pilgrimage to Canberra to hear what progress has been made to “close the gap”. Here they feast on hollow optimism and carefully crafted excuses that promise things will change. More...