Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 8 December 2017

The minutes of the 28 July 2017 meeting were confirmed out of session and have been published on the HSCG webpage.

None declared

NESA collected feedback from approximately 250 home schooling families that Authorised Persons had visited in relation to the recently published Guidelines for Home Schooling Registration in NSW.

Whilst acknowledging the feedback was gathered in a short period, initial feedback has been very positive.

Feedback was also provided by members of the HSCG commenting on the smooth transition to the Guidelines.

Members identified some areas for possible clarification such as the registration periods recommended by APs.

Action arising

• A full evaluation to take place towards the end of 2019 to obtain feedback from home schooling families acknowledging a complete cycle of a two year registration period will not occur until late in 2019.
• The Guidelines to be a regular item on the agenda for future HSCG meetings.
• A future link to be provided in the Guidelines to the AP Handbook.

The Status Report on the Government’s response to the recommendations from the 2014 Legislative Council’s Select Committee on Home Schooling was discussed.

The Government’s response to the recommendations will guide possible areas for a future work program for the HSCG.

Action arising

Following consideration of the Status Report, three items have been recommended for inclusion on the program for 2018:
(i) progressing research proposals in relation to home schooling via the process established by the NESA Research and Technical Committee; this process to be outlined at the next meeting
(ii) ongoing evaluation of the Guidelines, with a full evaluation late in 2019
(iii) publication of proposed sample plans and records.

HSCG members are invited to complete an anonymous self-assessment questionnaire with regard to the HSCG meetings held during 2017.

Results will be averaged to establish common themes which will assist in evaluating the current processes of the HSCG

Action arising

• To be returned to NESA by the close of business on Friday 22 December 2017.
• Collated results will be tabled at the first meeting of the HSCG in 2018.

AP Recruitment Process

The selection criteria used for the recruitment of Authorised Persons was discussed. It was identified that evidence of successful teaching experience and curriculum leadership does not preclude such evidence being in a home schooling context.

HSCG meetings for 2018

Proposed meeting dates were tabled for 2018.

Appreciation

Recognition was made of Bronwyn Hession’s final HSCG meeting due to her resignation from NESA.

Her contribution to NESA, and the work undertaken for the HSCG, was acknowledged.

Appreciation and a vote of thanks was made by the HSCG.

AP Recruitment Process

Feedback has been received on the current AP Recruitment Process and will be followed up at a future meeting of the HSCG.

Action arising

• The selection criteria to be further considered at the next meeting of the HSCG.
• HSCG members to consider the proposed meeting dates and email any comments to NESA by the close of business on Friday 22 December 2017.