Truants warned - new SMS alert system will roll out to WA schools in 2008

2/10/07
Western Australia's public schools will have a new weapon to fight truancy in 2008, with the State Government announcing a $950,000 five-year contract to provide SMS communication software to public schools today.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the contract with MGM Wireless was part of the Government's push to get parents involved in their children's education.
"Western Australia has one of the highest rates of mobile phone ownership in the world and it makes sense to put this technology to good use, in improving communication between parents and schools," he said.
"This new technology will inform parents when their children are absent from school, but it will also allow schools to inform parents of school projects, important events in individual classrooms, parent-teacher nights and tips on how to help with their child's education.
"Getting parents involved in their children's education is one of the most important things we can do to improve a student's performance.
"I expect that this new system will be welcomed by parents and teachers as a quick, direct and targeted method of communication."
Mr McGowan said the new technology would also free up teacher time spent on day-to-day follow up of absent students.
"Rather than writing and sending notes to parents, making phone calls and other administrative duties involved with truancy, teachers will be trained to use the SMS software, which will greatly reduce their workload," he said.
The Minister said the technology was already being used in 46 schools throughout WA with a great deal of success.
"The contract which I am announcing today will allow those schools, as well as prospective new schools, to save a great deal of money on SMS messaging," he said.
"The contract will also offer schools the option of additional features such as electronic roll marking.
"This will give schools an extra dimension in dealing with non-attendance and truancy in addition to the various strategies already being used in public schools.
"I expect around 400 schools (around half the State's public schools) will welcome this new technology and sign up for implementation in 2008, but decisions will be made at the local level - some schools may find it extremely useful while others may prefer other methods of communication."
Mr McGowan said the Department of Education and Training would work with schools throughout term four to implement the technology in 2008.
Minister's office - 9222 9111