New results on Australian student performance in maths and science highlight the need to increase overall school funding, said the Australian Education Union today.

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assessment conducted in 2006 showed that while Australian year 4 students performed above international averages in maths and science, and year 8 students were on par in maths, achievement in year 8 science had declined.

AEU Federal President, Angelo Gavrielatos said the TIMMS results should be viewed alongside the OECD report, Education at a Glance, released earlier this year that revealed Australia is ranked second last compared to other OECD nations for direct public expenditure on public institutions.

New results on Australian student performance in maths and science highlight the need to increase overall school funding, said the Australian Education Union today.

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assessment conducted in 2006 showed that while Australian year 4 students performed above international averages in maths and science, and year 8 students were on par in maths, achievement in year 8 science had declined.

AEU Federal President, Angelo Gavrielatos said the TIMMS results should be viewed alongside the OECD report, Education at a Glance, released earlier this year that revealed Australia is ranked second last compared to other OECD nations for direct public expenditure on public institutions.

“If Australia is to remain competitive in a global market the Federal Government must properly fund our public schools,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

“These results also highlight the need for greater targeted funding for Indigenous students.

“Indigenous students scored 90 points lower in year 4 than the average of non-Indigenous counterparts.

“The COAG announcement of a new National Partnership Agreement targeting schools serving disadvantaged communities was vital for the 15% of schools that will benefit, however the overall funding for public schools falls far short of what is needed to ensure a high quality education for all Australian students.

“Public schools remain seriously underfunded.

“As a nation we need to strive to lift overall student performance as well as addressing underachievement associated with disadvantage.

“More federal funding would enable schools to deliver smaller class sizes, greater individual attention for those who need it and modern learning environments,” Mr Gavrielatos said.