The 'State' of our schools

None of this means that problems themselves are endemic; public schools still punch above their weight, research persistently shows that their kids achieve as well as equivalent kids in any other schools. But as the once secret report shows, it is getting harder to find such equivalent kids. And none of the above is an argument for axing the bureaucracy – the problems highlighted in the Teese report will accelerate if public schools become autonomous. Some schools will grab more control over enrolments because principals know that this is the easiest way to improve their results and profile.

There are wider problems. While private school authorities and peak groups advocate for their schools (ably supported by professional lobbyists) the advocates for public schools can't count on their own school system authorities for sustained support. The peak groups of principals and parents are a mixed bunch and the Australian Education Union is too easily written off as a narrow sectional interest. So when a report from an independent researcher somehow is supposed to remain confidential, we're just left with the politicians. Heaven help us!

It may well be that the recommendations of the Gonski review of school funding are courageous and that the response of the Gillard Government matches this effort. If they do achieve any breakthrough in what is a looming equity crisis I hope the State education bureaucracies don't queue up for any credit.

Chris Bonnor is a former principal and is a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Development. His next book with Jane Caro, What makes a good school, will be published in July.