National curriculum

Why is the federal government pushing for this??

According to the federal government commissioned report by ACER "The introduction of an Australian Certificate in Education has the potential to provide greater national consistency in senior secondary arrangements; to set nationally consistent high standards; to improve the comparability of students results across Australia; to advance efforts to ensure that all young Australians develop the knowledge and skills required for life an work beyond school; and to establish a national qualification with international standing" (ACER, March 2006, Forward).

What is interesting about this statement, is that it implies a number of things.

First, it implies that consistency around Australia is a good thing. I don't wish to criticise this point.

Second, it implies that standards will be raised with the introduction of the ACE. This is a most prominent point made by DEST, and indeed one of the major selling points of the idea. This further implies that the standards set by the states are not high enough, and/or that the states cannot be trusted in setting standards.

Third, it implies that being able to compare students across Australia is a good thing. This is another point I don't wish to criticise, as the argument has been made with regards to university entry requirements. I must confess that I always thought universities were able to make comparisons, but perhaps I am wrong/naive ...

Fourth, it implies that the ACE will better ensure that students "develop the knowledge and skills required for life an work beyond school". This point really is like the second in that mistrust/distrust of the states is evident. Further, there is an assumption that whatever knowledge chosen to be include in the curriculum for the ACE would be generally agreed upon to be the 'right' dort of knowledge students require. Deeper philosophical and ideological issues lie here.

Finally, it implies that the ACE will be internationally recognised. I suppose globalisation demands such a thing ...