Principles and responsibilities Principle 1: All students can exercise education choices that meet their learning needs, aspirations and interests, and will be supported to reach their full potential Aim Provide teaching and learning programs, and implement practices and resources, which allow young Victorians to fully participate in education. Develop the skills and abilities that will prepare all students, including vulnerable students and students with disabilities, for lifelong learning and success in their chosen post-school pathway. Responsibilities Schools will: Provide equitable enrolment opportunities to all local students (subject to admission criteria policies defined by the Department). Plan, document, implement and publish an explicit, school-wide curriculum that provides core requirements (e.g. AusVELS, VCE, VCAL, VETiS); supports student choice, empowerment and engagement (e.g. through locally determined specialisations); reflects community priorities; and prepares students for life in the 21st century. Develop or adopt an evidence-based instructional model and ensure its use across the school. Ensure a range of assessment practices are used to monitor and evaluate each student’s progress, guide instructional practice, identify learning and student pathways, and report to students and families on progress. Establish networks and partnerships with other schools, early childhood and further education settings, and community organisations, business and industry to support student outcomes, strengthen student transitions and increase choice and customisation of offerings in local areas. Provide all students and families with the skills, information and support they need to make informed decisions about options and pathways through school and post school. The Department will: Provide schools with admission criteria policies to support school enrolments and develop these collaboratively with schools where differentiated policies are required (e.g. specialisation). Provide evidence-based, validated curriculum, assessment, and instructional model resources. Facilitate and broker networks and partnerships where schools require additional support to form these. Provide guidance and processes to support positive transition from kindergarten to school. Provide guidance and processes for effective student pathways and exit processes into further education, training and employment for all
Principle 4: Resources are managed effectively, efficiently and fairly to deliver the best possible education experiences and outcomes for all students Aim Plan, allocate and share resources in ways that use them to the greatest effect, and that demonstrate value, equity and responsiveness to local needs. Responsibilities Workforce Schools will: Attract and retain a high quality school workforce, ensuring clear role expectations and flexible management of workload and deployment, to achieve school strategic aims and goals. Conduct principal selection processes that support selection of the right candidate to drive school performance and represent the needs and expectations of the school community. Organise high-performing teachers to support other staff (e.g. through peer observation and coaching), develop best practice models, and lead professional development. Demonstrate proactive and robust management of staff performance, including capacity- building and evidence-based progression against agreed targets. Include student feedback in workforce arrangements (e.g. student survey data on teacher performance). Regularly review, and improve school workforce management practices, including practices related to the maintenance and enhancement of staff wellbeing. Focus on performance and capacity-building of all staff (e.g. teachers, support staff, specialists), recognising good performance and taking appropriate action when staff are underperforming. Ensure an appropriate level of staff input into school policy, through the use of open and consultative decision making processes. Comply with National Employment Standards, legislative requirements, and the principles of employment and conduct that apply in the public sector (e.g. merit-based selection, equal opportunity, dispute resolution). The Department will: Provide guidance and resources that support the full HR management lifecycle (recruitment, selection, performance management and recognition, exit procedures). Provide workforce planning data and analysis to support schools in the management and development of their own workforce. Develop and implement programs and initiatives to increase supply of high quality entrants into teaching, particularly where shortages exist. Implement a defined principal performance management cycle and accompanying processes. Provide access to specialist expertise and support for schools facing exceptionally challenging workforce