The National Education Reform Agreement (NERA) is a significant development in the education sector in Australia. It is a national framework agreed upon by all states and territories, which sets out the priorities and targets for education reform over a ten-year period.
The agreement was signed in December 2013, and it focuses on improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged. It provides a clear roadmap for education reform, including measures to improve teacher quality, increase school autonomy, and strengthen accountability.
One of the key objectives of the NERA is to improve the quality of teaching and leadership in schools. The agreement sets out a range of measures to achieve this, including the development of a national framework for teacher accreditation and the establishment of a national school leadership institute.
Another significant aspect of the NERA is the focus on improving the educational outcomes of disadvantaged students. The agreement includes targets to increase the proportion of students who reach minimum standards in reading, writing, and numeracy, as well as targets for improving the retention rates of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The NERA also places a strong emphasis on improving the transparency and accountability of the education system. This includes the development of a national public reporting framework, which will provide parents and the community with information on school performance and outcomes.
Overall, the National Education Reform Agreement represents a significant step forward in education reform in Australia. It provides a clear vision for the future of education in the country and sets out a roadmap for achieving this vision. With a focus on teacher quality, school autonomy, and accountability, the agreement has the potential to significantly improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged.