A reaction to the decline of Shakespeare?

I might be cynical, but when the federal government funds something like this, I can't help but think it's linked to its concern over the decline of emphasis on classic texts, and especially Shakespeare, and an increase of emphasis upon popular texts. As we know, Kevin Donnelly also expresses his concern over this.

I've got nothing against what looks like a wonderful initiative for these early career teachers, especially since it is focused on rural and remote Australia (where arguably, attending workshops and other professional learning activities is not quite as easy as it is for teachers in city areas). I just wonder about relationship between the funding of this initiative with the government's views that the high school study of traditional texts is in real peril.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced that students in regional and remote Australia will receive a significant boost to their Shakespearean studies through a pilot teacher scholarships programme.

“The Australian Government has invested $50,000 in an innovative initiative - the 2007 Bell Shakespeare Regional Teacher Scholarships programme,” Minister Bishop said.

“Through studying Shakespeare, students can gain an understanding of the rich diversity of English, explore timeless themes of the human condition, and develop their creativity while enhancing their use of language.

“The Bell Shakespeare Company, Australia's national touring theatre company, will offer 12 English teachers from regional and remote secondary schools, with less than 5 years’ experience, the opportunity to build their confidence and expertise in bringing Shakespeare to life for their students.

“The four-day intensive professional development programme will provide these teachers with access to Bell Shakespeare associate artists and skilled practitioners, a forum for discussion of teaching Shakespeare in the classroom, and the opportunity to spend time with the acting company in rehearsal. “This exciting programme will equip teachers with the expertise to bring the works of Shakespeare into the modern classroom in new ways that are interesting and accessible for students.”

John Bell AM, Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic Director, said “We are here for the long haul, devoted to specialisation, training, education and ongoing exploration in our attempts to reconcile great classic texts with contemporary Australian life. This investment in our teacher scholarship is a tremendous vote of confidence in our dedication to building excellence in Shakespeare in education across Australia.”

Details on how to apply for a scholarship will be distributed to schools early next year. The professional development programme will be held in April 2007.

(From Julie Bishop's media site)