The last decade has seen a significant increase in funding to the non-government school sector in Australia. Some parents have decided that private schools are better for their children, and the previous Federal Government facilitated this move.

 

In a public lecture to be held in Albury on Wednesday 23 April, eminent educator and former Dean of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Faculty of Education, Professor Bob Meyenn, will analyse this recent movement of school students from public to private education.

 

“The movement from public to private schools is most evident at the secondary level. More than one third of all secondary school children now attend non-government schools. If this trend continues there is significant risk that the public school system will become a residual system – catering for those who can’t afford fees, including some of the most disadvantaged families in the community,” Professor Meyenn said.

 

Professor Meyenn will also discuss the economic, political and educational implications of this movement for the education of Australian children.

 

“As our nation debates it future directions, the role of public education must not be devalued. The skilled workforce that Australia needs for its economic well being relies heavily on a strong, high quality, public education system. It has been fundamental to our robust democracy for the last 100 years.”

 

CSU’s Murray School of Education will host Professor Meyenn in this first Bob Meyenn Annual Education Lecture. The lecture will start at 8pm in the Nowik Lecture Theatre, CSU Albury City site, Guinea St, Albury. It will be followed by light refreshments and a chance to discuss the issues raised by Professor Meyenn.