NSW Public schools are to earn autonomy under Local Schools Local Decisions by hitting a range of numeracy and literacy targets.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was room for improvement when it came to student performance across NSW.
“To ensure students receive the best education we must be able to enforce best teaching practice consistently across our schools,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Local Schools Local Decisions is a sound policy but we need to make sure it works as it was intended,” she said.
“Adjustments will make it easier for the NSW Government to provide support to schools that are underperforming.”
Ms Berejiklian said schools would earn the autonomy to make funding, and educational decisions by hitting the targets using criteria such as Bump It Up, HSC results and NAPLAN results.
Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell said changes to Local Schools Local Decisions would strike the right balance between autonomy, accountability and support for schools.
“It is fantastic that many schools have been able to excel under Local Schools Local Decisions, but other schools need more attention when it comes to improving outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These changes to the policy will enable us to provide the support that these principals and teachers need,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said the State Government would consult with education stakeholders on reforms and agree on targets with schools by the end of the year, with changes to be implemented on day one of the 2021 school year.
