ACTA has developed a Position Paper and Fact Sheet in response to the adoption of synthetic phonics approaches to early literacy by education authorities across Australia. The Position Paper examines key issues specifically regarding EAL/D learners, using six commercial resources in wide use in Australian schools as its evidence base. The Paper is now in
2026 October- Synthetic Phonics-ACTA’s position Read More »
ACTA opposes Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle cuts to EAL/D teaching positions*, part of broader cuts affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education staff, support workers, teacher librarians, and other specialist educational roles. The proposed cuts will significantly reduce specialist EAL/D provision across the diocese, negatively impacting many vulnerable communities. ACTA calls for an immediate restoration
2026 September- EAL/D specialist teachers face dramatic cuts across 58 Catholic schools Read More »
The Government has announced a major reform to the AMEP. Details can be found at the Department of Home Affairs web site. ACTA particularly commends the new AMEP Academy and AMEP Online. However, the reform entails significant cost cutting, which the Government seeks to achieve through changes to eligibility and childcare. ACTA is deeply concerned
2026 September- AMEP Reform- Cost cutting will restrict migrants’ and refugees’ access Read More »
ACTA has been advocating strongly to the Department of Home Affairs, asking them to consult teachers about on-the-ground issues with implementing the curriculum in a VET context, the TAFE context and in an ASQA audit context. The Department of Home Affairs has sent out a questionnaire to all AMEP providers, specifically asking for teachers’ feedback
2026 June- Department of Home Affairs AMEP Questionnaire Read More »
ACTA makes submission to the government’s review of education policy for First Nations students: See https://www.education.gov.au/first-nations-education-policy/resources/first-nations-education-policy-discussion-paper,. For the ACTA submission, see the link below. ACTA submission to the Review of First Nations Education Policy
2026-February-ACTA submission to Review of First Nations Education Policy Read More »
Teachers at a community centre in Melbourne are calling for improvements in the AMEP. This article, featured on the ABC News web site, features the views of Dr Helen Moore- president of ATESOL ATC. Adult Migrant English Program fails to teach practical language skills, educators say – ABC News
2026-April- AMEP News Read More »
Dr Michael Michell, President of ATESOL NSW and former president of ACTA, has been working with ACARA to improve the accessibility of the EAL/D Learning Progression pages. The Reformatted EAL/D Learning Progression is now available as a downloadable document on the Australian Curriculum website. See https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/student-diversity/eal-d-students#accordion-47609c6685-item-d7e361f211. Many thanks to Michael and ACARA for this great
2025 October- Reformatted EAL/D Learning Progression now available! Read More »
Following the appointment of Dr Anne Aly as Minister for Multicultural Affairs in the new Albanese Government, ACTA is seeking to pursue the issues raised in submissions to the 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry into Government Contracts: see https://tesol.org.au/advocacy/#advocacy-3 The Adult ESOL Consultancy Group requested a meeting with Minister Aly. On 18 August, representatives met with Mr
2025 August – Initiatives re the AMEP Curriculum and Contract Framework Read More »
Adult ESOL Sector News: New publication released First Nations and migrant learners’ experiences with foundation skills courses was released by NCVER last Thursday. This research uniquely amplifies the voices of First Nations and migrant learners who have disengaged from foundation skills courses. By understanding their goals, experiences, and recommendations, ways to better support their
Supporting EAL learners effectively: Important research A new research report from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) examines 9 years of data from over 110,000 NSW students and reveals that Australian English as an additional language (EAL) learners need sustained support to thrive academically. One key finding from the research was that students commencing
2025 June – Important research: Supporting EAL learners effectively Read More »