The Federal Government has put a stop to funding for two proven national programs that are transforming primary and high school science education, the Australian Academy of Science said today.
Government has confirmed that no further funding is available to finish developing and rolling out the successful and popular primary school science program, Primary Connections, and the well-received pilot high school science program, Science by Doing. It has indicated that their implementation is now a responsibility for the states.
The two programs were initiated by the Academy to improve the quality of science education, and the Federal Government has invested $13.4 million in their development to date, which the Academy and the science education sector do not want to see wasted.
Australian Academy of Science Secretary for Education and Public Awareness Professor Jenny Graves said the two science literacy education programs have been enthusiastically received by educators and students in state, Catholic and independent school systems.
“Both programs have incorporated Indigenous Perspectives, and have proven particularly effective in engaging indigenous students in science and in education more broadly,” Professor Graves said.
”Both can deliver the new national science curriculum but have now had their funding stopped before they are fully developed.
“The Academy laments the Government policy shift which has led to this decision. The Government has abrogated its national responsibility for science education leadership and compromised the benefits these proven, publicly-funded programs can deliver for the nation.
“This policy shift puts at risk the viability, effectiveness, accessibility and timeliness of the benefits to students and teachers that these proven, publicly-funded science education programs can provide.”
The Australian Academy of Science is committed to the continuation of these programs and is seeking alternative sources of funding for the ongoing development and delivery of Primary Connections and Science by Doing.
Professor Graves said there is growing evidence that support is needed to improve science education in Australian schools.
”Australian students’ scientific literacy is treading water while those in other nations overtake us,” she said.
“A productive Australian economy requires a skilled workforce and a scientifically literate community.
“At a time when Australian students’ interest in science is declining and achievement standards are slipping, it makes no sense for the Government to cut funding for primary and high school science education programs that are proven to improve teacher quality and increase students’ science knowledge and skills.”
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
