At the 15th MCEETYA meeting on 10-11th July 2003, MCEETYA endorsed the development of a new National Statement on the purpose and nature of Languages education to provide an overarching framework for State/Territory and Australian Government activities. They also agreed that a four-year National Plan for Languages education be developed as the basis for a shared commitment to action.
A working party, which included representation from all jurisdictions, the National Catholic Education Commission, the Independent Schools Council of Australia, and the Australian Council of Assessment and Curriculum Authorities, progressed the development of the National Statement and Plan by means of wide-ranging consultations structured around several meetings; a national roundtable; and drawing on expert advice from key stakeholders. The roundtable, held in February 2004, included representatives from State and Territory government and non-government education jurisdictions, academics, deans of education, other MCEETYA taskforces, principals associations, Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Languages, critical friends and other experts in the field.
The National Statement for Languages Education in Australian Schools which includes the National Plan for Languages Education in Australian Schools 2005-2008 may be downloaded here.
