ABC Learning Expression of Interest process
An Expression of Interest process has commenced and encouraged parties to register their interest in the future of ABC Learning centres with the receiver. A number of organisations have already contacted the receiver, and others have contacted various arms of Government, with a view to expressing their interest in potentially buying or otherwise operating individual, or several ABC Learning Centres. DEEWR, 11 November 2008.

European Union/Australia Cooperation in Higher Education and VET Projects
This fourth joint call by the European Union and Australia is for proposals for multi-lateral projects with the potential to serve as a model for future substantive and long-lasting structural EU/Australian cooperation in both higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET). This call also seeks proposals for complementary activities to investigate policy-oriented issues of interest to higher education and / or VET in the EU and Australia. Applications close on 30 November 2005

New Apprenticeship Roundtable
The New Apprentices Roundtable provides an opportunity for New Apprentices around the country to present their ideas to the Australian Government. The recent second meeting of the Roundtable included 18 current and recently graduated New Apprentices from industries or occupations where labour supply needs have been identified, particularly those in the traditional trades. Members will meet again twice in 2006.

Success for Boys Grants Applications Due Soon
Applications for 'Success for Boys' grants to schools to take up professional learning close on 28 October 2005. Apply online on the Success for Boys website.

Early Registration Available for International Education Forum 2006
The International Education Forum 2006 is an initiative of the Australian Government hosted by the Department of Education, Science and Training. The Forum provides a valuable opportunity for specialists in international education to network with colleagues and be challenged by presentations from a broad range of national and international experts. Registrations are now open - register now to take advantage of early bird discounts available until 16 December 2005.

National Trial Examines VET Use of E-learning Objects
A national trial examining how VET teachers and trainers use digital learning objects is underway. Conducted in Cairns, Hobart and Adelaide, the trial is an initiative of the 2005 Flexible Learning Framework's Quality E-learning Resources project and aims to provide an understanding of teachers' resource needs and the techniques they employ when creating learning sequences from learning objects. Learning objects are any digital resources that can be reused to support teachers and trainers in producing teaching resources. The learning objects being used in the trial are sourced from the TAFE Tasmania and 2005 Framework repositories.

Comparing Primary School Curricula - Australian and International Benchmarks
A new report looks at countries that perform well in respected international education tests, and examines their curriculum in comparison to Australia. The report compared Australia with overseas countries including England, Singapore and Japan and found that those countries that have the most successful curricula also have a strong, discipline-based approach to school subjects, and have adopted curriculum documents that are clear, rigorous and concise.

Literacy and Numeracy Awards Fund a New DVD - 'Opening The Door' Helping to Educate Disadvantaged Kids
A new DVD to assist teachers, carers and workers in the education of children in out-of-home care, including foster care, has been launched. The DVD 'Opening the Door' was developed by Yvonne Clarke, UnitingCare Burnside, Wesley Dalmar, CREATE, the NSW Department of Education and Training, and the NSW Department of Community Services. Ms Clarke was a 2004 winner of the Minister's Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Improving Literacy and/or Numeracy with the prize money being used to fund this project.

University of Queensland Leads the Way in Setting the Standards for IT Collaboration
The University of Queensland (UQ) is leading the way to establish IT standards to support collaboration between Australian universities. As part of a recent Department of Education, Science and Training Strategic Infrastructure Initiative (SII) grant, UQ will lead two projects, worth $1.2 million, looking at how to link e-research and what software, services will underpin the collaborative use of computer systems and networks in Australian universities.

What Makes a Teacher Course Effective?
Teachers who reported that they felt well prepared by their training had completed courses that gave them deep knowledge of what they were expected to help students learn, and how students learned it, as well as skill in diagnosing students’ existing levels of understanding of the content to be taught, planning activities that would promote further development and assessing the extent to which development had taken place. ACER eNews Issue 33, September 2005