Peter Goss and Kate Griffiths of the Grattan Institute propose ‘a new deal that aligns funding to need for the same amount of money. We create big savings by reducing the automatic annual growth on school funding (indexation), affecting all schools. We then reallocate these funds to the most under-funded, getting all schools to their target by 2023.
‘How will this work?
‘The first step is to fix funding arrangements to set all schools on a course to their target within six years. In parallel, we recommend reviewing the formula for determining needs-based targets to ensure we are aiming for the right target, and adjusting targets if required.
‘The second step is to introduce transparency in funding arrangements through an independent body, to ensure funding goes where it is needed most.
‘The third step is to ensure that funding improves teaching and learning. We propose investing in new roles for expert teachers to drive improvement in our classrooms.’
- New model for school funding that won’t break the budget »
- Grattan Institute report: Circuit Breaker »
Dean Ashenden responds to Grattan ‘circuit-breaker’
Dean Ashenden has written a response to the Grattan Institute report, suggesting that ‘Grattan’s proposal – the master teacher and instructional leader component apart – deserves and will need every support, but it is important not to oversell what it represents. Even in the unlikely event of acceptance in full, this proposal would not ‘end Australia’s toxic school funding debate’ as Grattan and others have suggested.’