ICPA conference calls for IT specialists for small schools

According to the Nebo branch, teachers and teacher aides have been made responsible for the maintenance of computer equipment, fixing breakdowns and installing updates, a job they have to do in their own time.

Using the example of the Valkyrie State School, branch delegate Jessie Bethel said it was a common problem in small schools in the region.

"As a result, our systems and computers aren't maintained properly," she said.

Explaining the branch's motion calling on ICPA Queensland to lobby the Department of Education to provide all rural schools with direct access to a specialist IT staff technician, she added that the branch didn't believe the department was doing enough to attract and retain them in rural areas, where they could provide ongoing and at times face-to-face support.

"Our children are becoming disadvantaged as more lessons and specific activities are moving to online platforms - the rapidly changing technology and their frequent updates required for smooth running are leaving us behind," Ms Bethel said.

It was one of a number of issues raised concerning small schools during the conference.

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Another that was keenly discussed over the virtual forum was a motion from Moonie branch that the amount of optional professional development that teaching principals attend per term or year be limited.

Showing the challenges faced by staff shortages, the branch said that while it was important for teaching principals to attend developmental days, the time away disrupted the continuity of classroom learning, especially in multi-age classes.

Delegates speaking against the idea included Tambo's Heather Turnbull, who said professional development was an incentive for rural and remote postings.

"They're gaining skills they'll bring back to their school," she said.

She suggested that the Education Department step up and supply relief teachers to allow permanent staff to go away when needed.

Also speaking against the motion was Richmond's Kim Hughes, who said one-teacher school principals had as much right to professional development as any other principal.

"It would be discriminatory for that to be limited," she said.

That motion wasn't passed.

Another that failed to gain support was one from the Springsure/Rolleston branch that ICPA advocate for the bypassing of Year 10 at rural and remote P10 schools where there was limited subject selection or programs beyond the core curriculum available to students.

They argued that as Year 10 was a fundamental link between junior and senior secondary years, it was vitally important for students in Year 10 to be provided access to subjects that could be continued into Years 11 and 12.

Tambo's Carroll Abel said it was a problem that came up regularly there but suggested other solutions, such as distance education, be sought before bypassing.