EB implementation, one year on

During 2017, the conditions established by the 2016 EB agreement commenced implementation in schools, while a number of other key initiatives have also commenced. With 18 months before its nominal expiry date, it is timely to review the progress of the current EB.

1. Non-contact time (NCT)

An understanding of the use of NCT has been established. A temporary process for calculating the replacement of NCT lost due to planned school activities has been established, with work continuing on a OneSchool program that is currently subject to trials in schools.

2. Highly accomplished teachers/lead teachers (HAT/LT)

The initial tranche of the HAT/LT pilot has been completed, with two tranches remaining. The memorandum of agreement is to be finalised early next year, and the value of role assessment completed by 2019. Work has also commenced on “readying the profession” for HAT/LT.

3. Promotional Positions Classification Review (PPCR)

Submissions re the PPCR have been received from stakeholders, with the process currently open for individual submissions. Work is being completed in cross jurisdictional comparisons and valuations of current roles in a range of schools. All this will be reported back to the working group to enable it to establish the review of promotional positons.

4. Review of access to senior teacher and experienced senior teacher (ST/EST)

The review is to be finalised by the end of 2017. Improved access to EST commences in 2018, with teachers with three years’ experience at senior teacher being able to access EST in 2018. This reduces to two years in 2019.

5. Review of transfer system and transfer points

Statewide consultation regarding the teacher transfer system has commenced. DET has commenced the review of transfer points, with further consultation required.

6. Memoranda of agreements (MOAs)

Negotiations have commenced regarding the replacement of existing MOAs, with a number close to completion.

7. Staff meetings

Schools have established understanding of the purpose, frequency and duration of staff meetings at the workplace level.

8. Roll out of initiatives arising from 875 additional teachers

Schools have begun to receive additional curriculum coordination time and teaching principals' administration time, which arise as a consequence of this initiative. This includes the strengthened provision to ensure that classes are maintained at or below the class size targets.

Actions for 2018

The 2018 school year will see the consolidation of a number of initiatives and the completion of others. A key element of the agreement is clarity regarding consultation in schools. Work will continue with DET to ensure that areas covered by the joint statements are subject to local level consultation, as well as delivering on class size, staff meetings, CCT, and NCT provisions in schools.

Kate Ruttiman                                                                                                                      Deputy General Secretary (Member Services)

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 122 No 8, 3 November 2017, p15