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Independent Public Schools (IPS) is an education reform first introduced in Western Australia in 2009. It is an opt-in program where public schools are granted a higher degree of decision-making authority compared to regular state schools. The initiative has been justified on the grounds that decentralisation and principal autonomy improve educational outcomes for students. While independent public schools have limited autonomy, they do not have the power to fully self-determine their operations and are still subject to various department policies and accountability requirements.
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What You'll Learn
- Independent public schools are part of the state education system but have greater decision-making authority
- The initiative was introduced in 2009 by Western Australia's Department of Education
- Schools opt-in to the program and must demonstrate readiness for increased autonomy and accountability
- Independent public schools receive recurring payments for administrative support and one-off payments for transition costs
- The initiative has been justified on the grounds of decentralisation and principal autonomy improving student outcomes
Independent public schools are part of the state education system but have greater decision-making authority
Independent public schools (IPS) in Western Australia are part of the state education system but have been granted a higher degree of decision-making authority compared to regular state schools. The initiative was first introduced in 2009 by the state's Department of Education as an opt-in program, with schools choosing to become independent public schools through an application process. This application process involves demonstrating readiness for increased autonomy and accountability, particularly in financial and staff management.
As part of the state education system, independent public schools continue to receive support from the Western Australian public school system and are subject to relevant legislation, industrial agreements, and government policies. They are funded and run by the state or territory government, which controls areas like finance, public accountability, and hiring. However, they have greater independence in local decision-making, allowing them to make choices that directly reflect the needs of their students and communities. For example, independent public schools were the first to recruit, select, and appoint their own staff.
Each independent public school has a school board that collaborates with the school staff to establish a vision and direction that aligns with the community's aspirations and needs. These boards can influence strategic planning and community partnerships, contributing to the development of the school. The initiative has been justified on the grounds of decentralisation and principal autonomy, which are believed to improve educational outcomes.
While the push for greater school autonomy has been welcomed by principals, reviews have found no direct evidence of improved student outcomes in terms of attendance, suspension, or academic achievement. Independent public schools also have limitations to their autonomy, as they must meet teacher awards, workplace entitlements, and various department policies and accountability requirements.
The federal government has shown support for the initiative, committing to assisting a quarter of the country's public schools in gaining independent status. This aligns with the goal of improving Australia's global ranking in schooling systems by empowering schools to make decisions that address local issues.
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The initiative was introduced in 2009 by Western Australia's Department of Education
The Independent Public Schools (IPS) initiative was first introduced in Western Australia in 2009 by the state's Department of Education. It is an opt-in program where primary and secondary state schools can choose to become independent public schools. In the first round of applications, 34 schools were admitted into the program. Since then, the number of schools admitted each year has increased, with over half of all public schools seeking to become independent public schools since the initiative began.
The initiative grants schools a higher degree of decision-making authority and autonomy while still being a part of the state education system. Schools are given the authority to manage their utilities, facilities, and curriculum to suit student needs. They are also awarded recurring and one-off payments for administrative and transition costs. Each independent public school has a school board that works with the school staff to establish a vision and strategic direction that reflects the aspirations and needs of the community.
The principals of independent public schools have a direct relationship with and are accountable to the Director-General of the Department of Education. They have greater independence in local decision-making and are expected to establish open governance relationships with their communities. The initiative has been justified on the grounds that decentralisation and principal autonomy lead to improved educational outcomes for students.
The Western Australian IPS initiative has received recognition, such as the 2013 Premier's Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management. Reviews and evaluations have found that principals welcomed the increased autonomy and reported positive cultural changes, stronger relationships with local communities, and enhanced school and community pride. However, there was no evidence found of any changes in attendance, suspension, or academic achievement, and it was noted that more time was needed to assess the impact on student outcomes.
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Schools opt-in to the program and must demonstrate readiness for increased autonomy and accountability
The Independent Public Schools (IPS) initiative in Western Australia is an opt-in program, meaning schools choose to become independent public schools. The program was first introduced in 2009, and schools were invited to express their interest in becoming an IP school through an application process. This application process is administered by the Western Australian Department of Education.
Applying schools need to demonstrate their readiness for increased autonomy and accountability. This includes showing that the principal and school administration have prudent and effective financial and staff management abilities. Schools should also demonstrate the benefits of becoming an IP school and ensure that the school staff and local community support the application. Applications are assessed by an independent panel.
The IPS initiative has been justified on the grounds that system decentralisation and principal autonomy improve the educational outcomes of students. A review of the Western Australian IPS initiative in 2013 found that principals welcomed the flexibilities offered by the program. The review also noted that it was too early to determine the initiative's effect on student outcomes.
Since its inception, the IPS initiative has gained traction, with over half of all public schools seeking to become Independent Public Schools. The federal government has also shown support by committing to assisting a quarter of the country's public schools in gaining independent status by 2017.
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Independent public schools receive recurring payments for administrative support and one-off payments for transition costs
Independent public schools in Western Australia are part of a government initiative to grant state schools more autonomy. The initiative was first introduced in 2009, with schools given the option to apply for independent status. This move towards decentralisation and principal autonomy is justified by the potential for improved educational outcomes for students.
Schools that are granted independent status receive recurring payments for administrative support and one-off payments for transition costs. The recurring payments are between $25,000 and $50,000, while the one-off payments are between $20,000 and $40,000. These funds are intended to support the increased financial management responsibilities that come with greater independence.
Independent public schools have the authority to manage their utilities and facilities, including electricity, gas, water, and waste, and they can retain any savings made in these areas. They also have the power to determine their own curriculum to suit the specific needs of their student body.
The initiative has been generally well-received by principals, who have reported positive cultural changes in their schools, including stronger relationships with local communities and enhanced school pride. However, it should be noted that a review of the program in 2013 found no evidence of any change to attendance, suspension, or academic achievement.
The push for public schools to gain independence is a nationwide trend, with the federal government committing to assisting a quarter of the country's public schools in gaining independent status by 2017. This shift aims to provide schools with greater decision-making power to address local issues and improve student performance.
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The initiative has been justified on the grounds of decentralisation and principal autonomy improving student outcomes
The Independent Public Schools (IPS) initiative in Western Australia was first introduced in 2009 by the state's Department of Education. It is an opt-in program where primary and secondary state schools can choose to become independent public schools. This initiative has been justified on the grounds that decentralisation and principal autonomy improve student outcomes.
Under the IPS initiative, schools are granted a higher degree of decision-making authority compared to regular state schools. They have greater independence in local decision-making, allowing them to make choices that directly reflect the needs of their students and communities. For example, independent public schools were the first to recruit, select, and appoint their staff, rather than relying on a centralised staffing process. This increased autonomy gives schools the flexibility to adapt their curriculum and resources to suit the unique needs of their student body.
The initiative has been positively received by principals, who welcome the additional flexibilities it offers. A review by the University of Melbourne in 2013 found that the IPS initiative in Western Australia was creating strong foundations for future improvements in student achievement. The review highlighted positive cultural changes in schools, including stronger relationships with local communities and enhanced school pride.
However, it is important to note that there is ongoing debate about the direct impact of decentralisation and principal autonomy on student outcomes. A review of the Western Australian IPS initiative in 2013 found no evidence of changes in attendance, suspension, or academic achievement. Similarly, a study in Victoria, Australia, following self-managing reforms, concluded that there was no direct causal link between decentralisation and improved student learning outcomes.
While the initiative has been justified on the grounds of improving student outcomes, the impact may be more nuanced and vary across different contexts. The IPS initiative in Western Australia continues to evolve, with a growing number of schools opting for independent status since its inception.
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Frequently asked questions
An independent public school is a state/public school that is part of the state education system but has a higher degree of decision-making authority than a regular, non-independent state school.
The initiative was first introduced in Western Australia in 2009 by the state's Department of Education. It was justified on the grounds that decentralisation and principal autonomy improve the educational outcomes of students.
Independent public schools have greater independence for local decision-making, which directly reflects the needs of their students and communities. They also have continued access to central and regional support services and resources.
Schools choose to become independent public schools by opting into the program. They need to demonstrate their readiness for increased autonomy and accountability, and show support from the school staff and local community. Applications are then assessed by an independent panel.
