NAPLAN has become a stick wielded by clever, though ill-informed conservatives. The clever part is, that we are being beaten into submission with our hands tied behind our backs because to speak out is to be seen as "possibly" being in breach of the "code of conduct".

— Paul Saxby on Naplan Is Dangerous And Limited: Expert Panelists

The English spelling system (ESS) is at the core of what is being learned in the first few years at school. Literacy is what underlies a lot of the learning therafter. Yet, the ESS is such a flawed spelling system that Orwell described it as being "tormentous" and Einstein, as "treacherous". Even computers found it to be lacking, if it was not obvious already. And, yet, we keep using the same poor system AND changing everything around it. Is painting a car that has faulty wheels and brakes going to fix a car? Would we blame the painter or the driver for the accident? That is essentially what we have been doing for decades. There are many reports that the successes of the Chinese and the Korean on PISA tests are based on selection of students (the best) and extreme learning. As to Finland, it has one of the best spelling systems of all Western languages. Not a coincidence? There are other variables. There are many research, which I use to make a case for a drastic spelling reform (mitigating ALL 16 "issues" that are often cited as preventing one): https://www.quora.com/What-are-your-most-controversial-or-unpopular-opinions/answer/John-Katt. The main advantages (other than close to 3 year gains in acquisition speed and higher literacy rates) would be to support a student-centered pedagogy --the holy grail of most gurus-- to which the article alludes to and better social mobility rates. Otherwise, we could keep painting the faulty car and keep blaming the painter, the driver (and the passengers) when it is not running as it should. When it is that bad, we usually get a recall and if I recall correctly, it has been a 250 years' wait. The status quo or some tweekings are easier. They do not seem to work? Well! Is painting the car the right fix? Teachers are so lazy. Kids are so spoiled! And the rest of us? NiMBY anyone? More info at http://reforming-english.blogspot.com/

— Peter Mare on Sir Ken Speaks Out: Our School System Crushes The Will To Learn

Look who's talking Mr Andrews - you are a hypocrite! I refer to your comments made about not apologising to private training providers in your latest budget but instead favouring the TAFEs by pouring millions and million into them - something that has been broken for a long time and all the (our) money you throw at them won't fix it . How does if feel now that the shoe is on other foot. You complain about Mr Turnbull does not give you enough money for Victoria. I live in Lilydale and drive past that TAFE you poured $75 million into and it looks like a cemetery - that's what you do Victorian tax payers money! You have responsibility for the State of Victoria and I want to put this to you - let's say you have 5 children and you only give preference to two of them and leave the other 3 to fend for themselves! As the 'Father' of the state you should be fair across the board.

— Frank on Vic Slams School And Hospital Budget Cuts