council must include at least one elected Is the Independent Public parent member and one elected staff Schools initiative supported by member (the number of elected parent research? members and elected staff members of a Research on school autonomy shows its school council must be equal). success relies on a range of factors such A school council (for a school that as what support is provided, types of provides Years 10, 11 and 12) must autonomy, accountabilities, etc. include at least one but not more than However, research also that while two elected student members and two there should not be a fits all’ ‘one-size appointed members. Elected student model for autonomy, there is a link members can only be students from Year between principal autonomy and school 10, 11 or 12 at the school. Schools may effectiveness. In addition, a 2011 study appoint coopted students from younger by the Organisation for Economic year levels, however these students are Cooperation and Development reports unable to vote. that a combination of autonomy and In general, the school council plays a accountability is related to better student role in approving and monitoring the outcomes. school’s strategic direction in a way that achieves the best learning outcomes for The level of autonomy required by the school’s students. The size of the schools is dependent on a complex mix school will determine representation of of variables such as community staff and students on the school council. aspiration, student cohort, geography, For more information read the . etc. The increased level of autonomy that will be offered by the Independent Public Schools initiative has the potential to How does the role of a school enable local solutions for better learning council differ to that of a P&C? and ultimately, improving student The school council has an accountability outcomes. role and is responsible for informing and How is the Independent Public monitoring the school’s strategic direction. Members are responsible for Schools initiative evaluated? approving strategic documents that set The implementation of the Independent the direction, culture and tone of the Public Schools initiative is being closely school. monitored. An evaluation process will The Parents and Citizens’ (P&C) identify the initiative’s strengths and Association has a support and advice weaknesses, and opportunities for role and is responsible for school improvement. The first phase of the fundraising activities. evaluation commenced in Term 3, 2013. The Independent Public Schools initiative Contact does not impact on the functions of For more information about the P&Cs. Independent Public Schools initiative visit
council must include at least one elected parent member and one elected staff member (the number of elected parent members and elected staff members of a school council must be equal). A school council (for a school that provides Years 10, 11 and 12) must include at least one but not more than two elected student members and two appointed members. Elected student members can only be students from Year 10, 11 or 12 at the school. Schools may appoint coopted students from younger year levels, however these students are unable to vote. In general, the school council plays a role in approving and monitoring the school’s strategic direction in a way that achieves the best learning outcomes for the school’s students. The size of the school will determine representation of staff and students on the school council. For more information read the . How does the role of a school council differ to that of a P&C? The school council has an accountability role and is responsible for informing and monitoring the school’s strategic direction. Members are responsible for approving strategic documents that set the direction, culture and tone of the school. The Parents and Citizens’ (P&C) Association has a support and advice role and is responsible for school fundraising activities. The Independent Public Schools initiative does not impact on the functions of P&Cs. Is the Independent Public Schools initiative supported by research? Research on school autonomy shows its success relies on a range of factors such as what support is provided, types of autonomy, accountabilities, etc. However, research also that while there should not be a ‘one-size fits all’ model for autonomy, there is a link between principal autonomy and school effectiveness. In addition, a 2011 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development reports that a combination of autonomy and accountability is related to better student outcomes. The level of autonomy required by schools is dependent on a complex mix of variables such as community aspiration, student cohort, geography, etc. The increased level of autonomy that will be offered by the Independent Public Schools initiative has the potential to enable local solutions for better learning and ultimately, improving student outcomes. How is the Independent Public Schools initiative evaluated? The implementation of the Independent Public Schools initiative is being closely monitored. An evaluation process will identify the initiative’s strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The first phase of the evaluation commenced in Term 3, 2013. Contact For more information about the Independent Public Schools initiative visit