The Australian Schools Index is on the path  to be the most comprehensive, independent information repository on Australian schools. At the core of the ASI portal is a unique system that rates and ranks all Australian schools across a range of criteria using a structure that ensures objectivity and integrity.

Parents and carers consider a multitude of factors when choosing a school for their children -- academic excellence, religion, sporting opportunities, personal finances, multiculturalism, egalitarianism, family history and location.

While some of the features of the different systems (such as the compulsory starting and leaving ages) vary slightly across the states and territories, other decision variables such as curriculum choices and skills testing vary widely. Lack of uniformity across states is often a source of frustration and confusion to those who have to evaluate different systems.

ASI is a  vast repository of useful and easily accessible information. ASI aims to provide  a simple and impartial way for parents and carers to negotiate the complexities of the various education systems and make informed decisions about school choices.

  Today's Editorial March 2010

Schools Carbon Footprint.
There is nothing wrong with being critical. Asking probing questions and having salient insights are good and shows an enquiring mind. Teaching students to ask good questions is a skill and one that helps them to understand their learning.
In this light, I wonder what kind of sustainability reports have been undertaken or planned for the Building the Education Revolution (BER) of our schools across Australia. I wonder, what increase there has been in the carbon footprint of schools.
There has been much talk and media attention on the actual building but not much on the sustainability and ecologically friendly processes and products used. Although there is a factsheet on the government website let’s hope the auditing is effective in highlighting good practices and not continuing the waste of funds we have seen recently.

Matthew Hamra

ASI Editor

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