Tasmania Together

Welcome to the May edition of Tasmania Together eNews. Tasmania Together is a 20 year community plan, developed by the people for the people. It is a nationally recognised, community based initiative that actively encourages public participation in democratic society.

Tasmania Together is rapidly heading towards its tenth birthday or half way to the year 2020. With its 12 goals and 143 benchmarks to monitor progress, it is still as relevant today as it was when it all began a decade ago. A new section in eNews will focus on what the Board is doing to achieve the community's vision for 2020.

Take a look at some of our partners' activities in the Partner News section below, with activities contributing to a wide range of Tasmania Together goals and benchmarks and the State's progress in general.

Each eNews focuses on a goal from Tasmania Together. During the early development of the State plan and in the more recent review of Tasmania Together, one over-riding message came through the public consultations - the importance of education and training.

Featured Goals

Goal 3: High-quality education and training for lifelong learning and a skilled workforce.

Many of the long term community aspirations in Tasmania Together are underpinned by the need to have a well-educated and highly skilled workforce. A healthy, active, outward-looking and inclusive society also relies very heavily on a well informed and educated community.

The Government's recent Tasmania Tomorrow reforms in post-secondary education and training, as well as recent concerns over adult literacy levels, has created considerable public debate over education and training in Tasmania.

Our education goal in Tasmania Together, places emphasis on improving reading and writing not only in our schools but also throughout life. The community wants to see improved retention rates and more students going on to Year 12. We need enhanced skill levels and more apprenticeships. If you want to look at all the benchmarks in this area, go to www.ttbenchmarks.com.au

2009 Tasmania Together Youth Challenge

2009 Tasmania Together Youth Challenge ... Closes 10 July 2009

The 2009 Tasmania Together Youth Challenge (TTYC) is now well underway. The challenge was launched during Youth Week (March 28 - April 5) and concludes on July 10. This is our second Youth Challenge following last year's highly successful campaign where over 500 students participated and 150 entries were received.

The competition asks young people to think about what they want for their future and to express this in creative ways. Entries can be in a range of formats including essays, art, multimedia and poetry.

Please encourage any students or teacher you might know to get involved - it's easy and there are fabulous prizes to win.

Check out the website at: www.ttyouthchallenge.com.au to find out detailed information about:

how to enter
what prizes are on offer
the terms and conditions

The Tasmania Together Youth Challenge promotes Goal 3: High-quality education and training for lifelong learning and a skilled workforce.

The Youth Challenge is now on facebook and myspace ... become a fan, click on the icons below:

Measuring Performance in our Schools

Tasmania's Education Performance Report 2008

In 2008 the Premier announced that Tasmania would provide the most comprehensive suite of educational performance data in the country. Since then the Department of Education has released Tasmania's Education Performance Report and individual school improvement reports for 2007 and 2008.

This year's reports are not only important because they provide the Tasmanian community with current information on the government's priority areas of the early years, literacy and numeracy, student retention, school improvement and equity, but for the first time it will be possible to compare achievement and improvement since last year.

Tasmania's Education Performance Report summarises the State's performance across 17 measures and is available at:

www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/reports/tasmanias-education-performance-report

Individual school improvement focus on the progress schools are making over time and they are available at: http://schoolimprovement.education.tas.gov.au

National Assessment

In May 2008, for the very first time, all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia were tested on aspects of literacy and numeracy using a common test in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

For the first time the Tasmanian community can see how students performed in relation to other students in their particular year group, against the national average and, in time, relative to previous achievement.

The Chair of the Progress Board, Mr Bob Campbell has publicly indicated that the Board will be able to develop new Tasmania Together literacy and numeracy benchmarks based on the National Assessment Program.

"With the 2008 baselines now set, the new national literacy and numeracy testing regime provides an excellent platform for Tasmania Together to report on Tasmania's progress against the new national minimum standards."

The 2008 national literacy and numeracy results were released in September 2008 and Tasmania performed very well in relation to the rest of the country and that overall, the proportion of students reaching the national minimum standard for literacy and numeracy has improved.

2008 NAPLAN Results can be viewed at: http://www.naplan.edu.au/verve/_resources/2ndStageNationalReport_18Dec_v2.pdf

Results of the 2009 NAPLAN tests conducted on 12-14 May will be available in September.

Lifelong Learning

Adult Literacy and Numeracy

According to our Online Benchmark Reports, nearly half of all Tasmanians are functionally illiterate. It is an issue of enormous importance to decision-makers and the broader community.

tsbc Our Tasmania Together Partner, the Tasmanian Small Business Council, has expressed strong concerns regarding the low level of literacy and numeracy in the Tasmania population. Chairman, Geoff Fader, highlights the potential impact of low levels of literacy and numeracy on everyday life, particularly the capacity to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to join the workforce.

A full coverage of the Council's concerns can be found by clicking on the following link: Adult Literacy - Small Business Council.pdf

tach Neighbourhood Houses throughout the State recently received a pleasant surprise as part of Neighbourhood House Week (May 11-17). The Tasmanian Community Fund has provided $2 million to the Tasmanian Association for Community Houses (TACH - another Tasmania Together partner) for TACH to implement practical adult literacy projects through the organisation's network of Neighbourhood Houses. There are 34 Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania, located in communities facing significant socio-economic disadvantage or social isolation.

The program will see functional literacy activities developed covering everyday practical situations, as well as the development of local literacy groups to meet particular community needs.

Click on the following links to view the TACH and TCF media releases.

Partner News

Country Women's Association in Tasmania (CWA)

The CWA is one of the most respected community organisations operating in rural and regional areas. Through a range of funding sources, the CWA is helping families living in the driest areas of the State with essential everyday living expenses. If you want to find out more about what the CWA is doing in this area or seek some support, go to: www.cwaintas.org.au/

scouts Scouts Tasmania

2009 represents a centenary of Scouting in Tasmania. This milestone is being celebrated throughout the State with a number of special events taking place in 2009. To find out what is going on, or learn a bit more about the Scouts, go to: www.tas.scouts.com.au/

youth_network Youth Network of Tasmania

Youth Homelessness: Youth Accommodation and Homelessness Forum Communique
This Communique demonstrates the thoughts, visions, and ideas of sixteen young passionate Tasmanians who are committed to ensuring that in the future all young people can have a home.

For a comprehensive report of youth homelessness see: www.ynot.org.au/

What the Board is up to

Future Reporting

The Board reports back to the community on progress in a number of ways: through the biennial Progress Reports required under legislation, the Online Benchmark Reports system, and the annual Snapshot of Progress. To make sure we keep the community informed, the Board is reviewing its reporting mechanisms and looking at other ways of letting people know what is going on.

New Tasmania Together Board

The terms of most Board members expire later this year. A selection process for a new Board will begin in June/July with newspaper advertisements seeking expressions of interest. If you are interested or know someone who may be, keep an eye open for the advertisement.

Local Government

The Board continues to focus its efforts on integrating TT into the decision making of local government. Local councils are the government closest to the community and often make decisions that potentially impact on TT. Many councils have indicated a willingness to link their strategic plans to the goals and benchmarks in TT and we continue to work closely with those councils to formulate linkages.

New Benchmarks

The first Five Year Review of Tasmania Together identified a number of important community issues where data and benchmarking were seen as top priorities. We are slowly get through those 34 post five year review tasks, including new benchmarks in the areas of social inclusion, government accountability, climate change and energy use.

If you want to know more about what we do, feel free to contact us - details below.

34 Post Five Year Review Tasks

	Disclaimer
	The views expressed in the eNewsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Progress Board. You are directed to a copyright and disclaimer covering the information provided. You are directed to information on how your personal information is protected.
	Contact Us
	Tasmania Together Progress Board Level 7, 144 Macquarie Street Hobart 7000 GPO Box 123 Hobart Tas 7001 E: secretariat@tasmaniatogether.tas.gov.au W: www.tasmaniatogether.com.au Phone: 03 6232 7010 Fax: 03 6233 5952

	Welcome to Tasmania Together
	Welcome to the May edition of Tasmania Together eNews. Tasmania Together is a 20 year community plan, developed by the people for the people. It is a nationally recognised, community based initiative that actively encourages public participation in democratic society. Tasmania Together is rapidly heading towards its tenth birthday or half way to the year 2020. With its 12 goals and 143 benchmarks to monitor progress, it is still as relevant today as it was when it all began a decade ago. A new section in eNews will focus on what the Board is doing to achieve the community's vision for 2020. Take a look at some of our partners' activities in the Partner News section below, with activities contributing to a wide range of Tasmania Together goals and benchmarks and the State's progress in general. Each eNews focuses on a goal from Tasmania Together. During the early development of the State plan and in the more recent review of Tasmania Together, one over-riding message came through the public consultations - the importance of education and training.
	Featured Goals
	*Goal 3: High-quality education and training for lifelong learning and a skilled workforce.* Many of the long term community aspirations in Tasmania Together are underpinned by the need to have a well-educated and highly skilled workforce. A healthy, active, outward-looking and inclusive society also relies very heavily on a well informed and educated community. The Government's recent Tasmania Tomorrow reforms in post-secondary education and training, as well as recent concerns over adult literacy levels, has created considerable public debate over education and training in Tasmania. Our education goal in Tasmania Together, places emphasis on improving reading and writing not only in our schools but also throughout life. The community wants to see improved retention rates and more students going on to Year 12. We need enhanced skill levels and more apprenticeships. If you want to look at all the benchmarks in this area, go to www.ttbenchmarks.com.au
	2009 Tasmania Together Youth Challenge
	*2009 Tasmania Together* Youth Challenge ... Closes 10 July 2009** The 2009 Tasmania Together Youth Challenge (TTYC) is now well underway. The challenge was launched during Youth Week (March 28 - April 5) and concludes on July 10. This is our second Youth Challenge following last year's highly successful campaign where over 500 students participated and 150 entries were received. The competition asks young people to think about what they want for their future and to express this in creative ways. Entries can be in a range of formats including essays, art, multimedia and poetry. Please encourage any students or teacher you might know to get involved - it's easy and there are fabulous prizes to win. Check out the website at: www.ttyouthchallenge.com.au to find out detailed information about: how to enter what prizes are on offer the terms and conditions The Tasmania Together Youth Challenge promotes Goal 3: High-quality education and training for lifelong learning and a skilled workforce. The Youth Challenge is now on facebook and myspace ... become a fan, click on the icons below:
	Measuring Performance in our Schools
	Tasmania's Education Performance Report 2008 In 2008 the Premier announced that Tasmania would provide the most comprehensive suite of educational performance data in the country. Since then the Department of Education has released Tasmania's Education Performance Report and individual school improvement reports for 2007 and 2008. This year's reports are not only important because they provide the Tasmanian community with current information on the government's priority areas of the early years, literacy and numeracy, student retention, school improvement and equity, but for the first time it will be possible to compare achievement and improvement since last year. Tasmania's Education Performance Report summarises the State's performance across 17 measures and is available at: www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/reports/tasmanias-education-performance-report Individual school improvement focus on the progress schools are making over time and they are available at: http://schoolimprovement.education.tas.gov.au National Assessment In May 2008, for the very first time, all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia were tested on aspects of literacy and numeracy using a common test in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. For the first time the Tasmanian community can see how students performed in relation to other students in their particular year group, against the national average and, in time, relative to previous achievement. The Chair of the Progress Board, Mr Bob Campbell has publicly indicated that the Board will be able to develop new Tasmania Together literacy and numeracy benchmarks based on the National Assessment Program. "With the 2008 baselines now set, the new national literacy and numeracy testing regime provides an excellent platform for Tasmania Together to report on Tasmania's progress against the new national minimum standards." The 2008 national literacy and numeracy results were released in September 2008 and Tasmania performed very well in relation to the rest of the country and that overall, the proportion of students reaching the national minimum standard for literacy and numeracy has improved. 2008 NAPLAN Results can be viewed at: http://www.naplan.edu.au/verve/_resources/2ndStageNationalReport_18Dec_v2.pdf Results of the 2009 NAPLAN tests conducted on 12-14 May will be available in September.
	Lifelong Learning
	Adult Literacy and Numeracy According to our Online Benchmark Reports, nearly half of all Tasmanians are functionally illiterate. It is an issue of enormous importance to decision-makers and the broader community. Our Tasmania Together Partner, the Tasmanian Small Business Council, has expressed strong concerns regarding the low level of literacy and numeracy in the Tasmania population. Chairman, Geoff Fader, highlights the potential impact of low levels of literacy and numeracy on everyday life, particularly the capacity to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to join the workforce. A full coverage of the Council's concerns can be found by clicking on the following link: Adult Literacy - Small Business Council.pdf Neighbourhood Houses throughout the State recently received a pleasant surprise as part of Neighbourhood House Week (May 11-17). The Tasmanian Community Fund has provided $2 million to the Tasmanian Association for Community Houses (TACH - another Tasmania Together partner) for TACH to implement practical adult literacy projects through the organisation's network of Neighbourhood Houses. There are 34 Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania, located in communities facing significant socio-economic disadvantage or social isolation. The program will see functional literacy activities developed covering everyday practical situations, as well as the development of local literacy groups to meet particular community needs. Click on the following links to view the TACH and TCF media releases.
	Partner News
	Country Women's Association in Tasmania (CWA) The CWA is one of the most respected community organisations operating in rural and regional areas. Through a range of funding sources, the CWA is helping families living in the driest areas of the State with essential everyday living expenses. If you want to find out more about what the CWA is doing in this area or seek some support, go to: www.cwaintas.org.au/ Scouts Tasmania 2009 represents a centenary of Scouting in Tasmania. This milestone is being celebrated throughout the State with a number of special events taking place in 2009. To find out what is going on, or learn a bit more about the Scouts, go to: www.tas.scouts.com.au/ Youth Network of Tasmania Youth Homelessness: Youth Accommodation and Homelessness Forum Communique This Communique demonstrates the thoughts, visions, and ideas of sixteen young passionate Tasmanians who are committed to ensuring that in the future all young people can have a home. For a comprehensive report of youth homelessness see: www.ynot.org.au/
	What the Board is up to
	Future Reporting The Board reports back to the community on progress in a number of ways: through the biennial Progress Reports required under legislation, the Online Benchmark Reports system, and the annual Snapshot of Progress. To make sure we keep the community informed, the Board is reviewing its reporting mechanisms and looking at other ways of letting people know what is going on. *New Tasmania Together* Board The terms of most Board members expire later this year. A selection process for a new Board will begin in June/July with newspaper advertisements seeking expressions of interest. If you are interested or know someone who may be, keep an eye open for the advertisement. Local Government The Board continues to focus its efforts on integrating TT into the decision making of local government. Local councils are the government closest to the community and often make decisions that potentially impact on TT. Many councils have indicated a willingness to link their strategic plans to the goals and benchmarks in TT and we continue to work closely with those councils to formulate linkages. New Benchmarks** The first Five Year Review of Tasmania Together identified a number of important community issues where data and benchmarking were seen as top priorities. We are slowly get through those 34 post five year review tasks, including new benchmarks in the areas of social inclusion, government accountability, climate change and energy use. If you want to know more about what we do, feel free to contact us - details below. 34 Post Five Year Review Tasks