Close the achievement gap

Guest speaker says Tasmania needs to focus on struggling students

because socio-economic disadvantage is a big part of the educational challenge.”

Mr Bentley said he was optimistic: “Education systems everywhere are incredibly resilient.”

Speakers at the Wrest Point symposium on Wednesday and Thursday, hosted by the University of Tasmania and State Government, include Barack Obama campaign leader Henry De Sio, Oxford Professor Ian Menter and NSW Rooty Hill High School principal Christine Cawsey.

UTAS Professor Sue Kilpatrick said the symposium was designed to start the conversation about the Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment.

“What is the world’s best research in the areas we’re interested in . . . what really works?” Prof Kilpatrick said.

A prerecorded interview with OECD education leader Andreas Schleicher looked at poorer areas including Poland, Portugal and rural China that could have practical advice for Tasmania.

People can still register.