Paul Albert appointed chief executive officer of Curriculum Council

25/11/97

A well-known Western Australian educator who has extensive experience across all areas of the State's education sectors, has been officially appointed as chief executive officer of the Curriculum Council.

Education Minister Colin Barnett announced today that Mr Paul Albert, currently acting CEO of the Curriculum Council of WA, had been appointed to the position for five years.

The Curriculum Council was formed on August 1 this year from the establishment of the Interim Curriculum Council and incorporates the functions of the Secondary Education Authority. It was convened to design a curriculum framework which would apply to both Government and non-Government schools, and home schooling for all students from kindergarten to year 12.

A draft framework is currently available for public consultation. It is intended that the final framework, covering the eight learning areas of the arts; English, health and physical education; languages other than English, mathematics, science; society and environment; and technology and enterprise, will be phased in over five years from 1999.

Mr Barnett said Mr Albert had proved his suitability for the position during his time as acting CEO. He had every confidence that under Mr Albert's leadership, the massive changes currently under way in curriculum in WA would continue successfully.

"The introduction of the draft curriculum framework is a very important step towards making WA's education system more flexible and responsive to students' needs," the Minister said.

"It has been introduced among a number of other significant initiatives in education, including the new School Education Bill, the introduction of local area education planning and the realignment of education districts."

Mr Barnett said Mr Albert had held a number of positions in the WA education sector over more than 25 years. These included experience as a teacher trainee, in management roles with TAFE and the (former) Department of Employment and Training, and in the non-Government school sector.

"During his career, Paul has also had considerable experience in the vocational education and training sectors," the Minister said.

"He has been responsible for apprenticeships, traineeships and other forms of industrial training in the State and for negotiating the introduction of the traineeship system in WA which is now a significant post-school option for nearly one third of year 12 graduates.

"Paul's role at the Curriculum Council is far-reaching and challenging, particularly as feedback on the draft curriculum framework is assessed and the framework modified and implemented.

"The scene is set for a period of change to improve the educational opportunities for all WA students and I wish Paul, and the Curriculum Council, well."

Media contact: Justine Whittome, Minister's office, (08) 9222 9699

Mr Paul Albert, Curriculum Council of WA, (08) 9273 6300