Tasmanian Learning Commission launches

In June we attended the launch of the Tasmanian Learning Commission (TASLC).

Funded by the TCF, TASLC is an initiative that puts students at the centre of leading research and providing evidence-informed recommendations alongside their teachers and school leadership teams to improve practice within Tasmanian schools.

This project gives students more agency in shaping their learning by appointing students as "Commissioners" who lead inquiry-based projects on key topics, positioning them as influential decision-makers.

“It is all about developing partnerships between students, the community, policy makers and teachers to really drive improvement in schools,” Hobart City High School Principal, Britany Roestenburg said.

“This program is based on a really successful model in the Northen Territory, which has grown to involve over 60 schools.

“The impact in the Northern Territory has been amazing and there has been a noticeable shift to see students as partners in creating change and driving improvement.”

Over the next three years, students, teachers, principals and TASLC organisers will meet regularly to discuss and develop ways for schools to grow and evolve.

TCF Board Member Michelle Swallow attended and spoke on the day saying it is a great partnership program between students, teachers and principals, all of whom will become learning commissioners.

“The young people in the room represent over three thousand students across Tasmania’s public school system, and over the next three years more schools will be involved.

“It is a great way to allow students to have a say in their learning outcomes, in their wellbeing, and in their education generally.

“This project lines up with our values of breaking down barriers to education, it gives students the chance to engage in leadership and develop ways to make their education more impactful and successful,” Michelle said.

The TCF have provided $158,800 to TASLC to run this program for the next three years.