Updated: Mar 2000 | Outcomes Focus

Why Focus on Outcomes?

Curriculum Framework and Outcomes & Standards Framework

Its fundamental purpose is to provide a structure around which schools can build educational programs that ensure students achieve agreed outcomes. Curriculum Framework (1998), p. 16

Use of the Curriculum Framework and Outcomes & Standards Framework to guide and inform curriculum provision, assessment and reporting ensures that the individual nature of students' learning is central to all decisions about learning.

The intended outcomes of schooling in Western Australia are defined in the Curriculum Framework by the Overarching Learning Outcomes. These are broad understandings, skills and values which are then developed as essential Learning Area Outcomes in each of the eight Learning Areas.

The Student Outcome Statements of the Education Department's Outcomes and Standards Framework are directly linked to the Learning Area Outcomes. They therefore serve to inform curriculum provision, assessment and reporting. They are mostly arranged in levels of progress toward achievement of the Learning Area Outcomes. This helps teachers to plan, assess and report students' learning according to:

their differing needs.
the changing patterns in their learning.

The Student Outcome Statements articulate typical learning achievements. They are a 'progress map' that describes how key concepts and skills develop as students achieve the learning outcomes set out in the Curriculum Framework. Outcomes and Standards Framework: Overview, Student Outcome Statements (1998), p. 1

Together, the two frameworks allow teachers and schools to be accountable to students and their parents through the public reporting of their work in terms of students' achievements, at both the school and system levels.

They also help teachers to make valid judgements and provide reports on their professional practices to a range of audiences.

At the heart of implementing the frameworks is the need for teachers to understand what it means to work within an outcomes framework.

In planning individual student programs, group programs and whole-school development plans, there must be a focus on outcomes.

Outcomes must be the focus for curriculum provision, assessment and reporting.

There is flexibility for teachers to design and implement group and, where desirable, individual educational programs to support students in achieving the intended outcomes.

Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting: Policy and Guidelines confirms the relationship of the two frameworks and details the system requirements for their implementation.

The Policy and Guidelines for Students at Educational Risk inform and support curriculum provision, assessment and reporting consistent with the Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting: Policy and Guidelines. The students at educational risk policy requires that schools establish procedures for the identification of students at educational risk of not achieving the outcomes, and develop and implement appropriate educational plans for them.