Dusseldorp Skills Forum would like to thank all of the presenters who have takenthe time and effort to contribute to the Expo along with the following individualsand organisations:

THANK YOU

Expo Reference GroupJanine DebenhamAlan GrassetMurray van der Veer and Janet CousensNational WRAPS - Suellen TaylorNorthern Sydney Institute of TAFE -Hornsby CampusRiverina Institute of TAFE - Albury Campus - Dave O'Donnell

South West Sydney Institute of TAFE -Granville CampusThe HOON GOONZ - UWS ProfessionalExperience 3 studentsMoree East Primary SchoolThe Beach SchoolSilverhair - The BandVerbal Essence

SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDSOUTHEE COMPLEX

1 Showground Road, Homebush Bay NSW 2127Tel: (02) 9704 1244 Fax: (02) 9704 1173

VENUE MAP

EVENT PROGRAMSYDNEY, 23 - 24 JUNE 2004

www.dsf.org.au/learningchoices

The Learning Choices Expo is the place to be if you have a passion for creating learning environments in which young

people of secondary school age can thrive and learn whatever theirabilities, backgrounds, or personal circumstances.

Dusseldorp Skills Forum (DSF) 1 Glebe Street, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia ph: 02 9571 8347 fax: 02 9571 9703 www.dsf.org.au

Southee 4

J&S Room

8.00 – 9.00 am Registration.Tea and coffee on arrival.

9.00 am Introductions & Welcome.Colin James (MC)

Colin James is one of Australia's leading Corporate Trainers, working extensively throughout Australasia and the Asia Pacific region consulting, designing,implementing and delivering training programs across a diverse range of subjects.

Welcome to Country. Allen Madden, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council

Opening Address.Jack Dusseldorp, Dusseldorp Skills Forum

9.40 am Not back to the 70’s!!! Good practice in learning alternatives.Roger Holdsworth, Australian Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne

Roger discards the flares and funky music and argues learning alternatives meet contemporary learning needs. But what have we learnt over the past 30 years or have we come full circle? Why are alternatives still needed and what are the ingredients for success?

10.10 am Initiating the Expo Communiqué.Eric Sidoti, Strategic Options and the Dusseldorp Skills Forum

10.20 am Expo Showcase - Session A.

Teams of young people from 20 programs around Australia and New Zealand will strut their stuff. The teams represent innovation in real learning and engagement by young people.

Please attend the Showcase that you are registered for, as per the accompanying schedule.

Balga Senior High School Young Parents + No Dole Drama, WABEE Strong Program (Burnside Engaging Education), Campbelltown, NSWCity East @ Randwick College, TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, NSWEnterprise Education: School’s Bazaar, QLDFLAME: SFF Skills for the Future, Noosa Youth Service, QLDHealthy Active Resilient Kids (HARK) - Sorell School, TASOptimal Learning, Ballarat, VICSMART POEMS Program, Beenleigh Area Youth Services, Eagleby, QLDStudentworks, Launceston Student Workshop Inc, TASSwitching on Learning through Audio - SYN FM, Melbourne, VIC

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNEIf at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving. Trylearning options. That's the message from more than60 youth participants at the Learning Choices Expo.

The attendance of these young people gives thisevent its human dimension. While delegates considerthe technical strategies involved inproviding effectivelearning options outside the classroom setting, theExpo also plays host to program participants who arethe proof of the pudding. They are the real pioneersof an alternative learning culture that will benefit tensof thousands of others ... and they don't need anyconvincing that it works.

The program participants are here not only to demonstrate initiatives that are helping them reconnect with educational and skills training pathways, but to swap notes on their own frustrations, hurdles, experiences and successes, andto pick up skills that will assist them inside and outside their individual learning environments.

Parallel to the Expo Program is a lively Youth Programthat provides motivation and self-development workshops and conducts team building activities. TheYouth Program is conducted by Dave O'Donnell, apsychologist and senior counsellor attached to NSWTAFE’s Riverina Institute. Dave has conducted a number of professional development programs forTAFE, and will be assisted in the Expo Youth Programby Hoon Goonz - a team of trainee teachers from theEducation Faculty of the University of Western Sydneywho will be mentors for the young participants.

Part of the agenda is a performance by BrainstormProductions - a theatre group which produces in-school performances about issues confrontingyoung people. Titled Cheap Thrills, the show focuseson that split second when we find ourselves at acrossroad and need to make a choice or take a riskthat could change our lives forever. It's about takingresponsibility for the choice we make, and using theconsequences in a positive way.

It will have particular relevance to young participantswho are living by a decision to extend their educationin a form to which they can more easily relate, andwho have achieved conspicuous success in beingselected to present their program from around 60programs considered for the Expo.

While drawn from areas as disparate as Cape York,Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and Manurewa in NewZealand's North Island, the youth participants share aknowledge that while all major life changes arestressful, the alternative to change is a rut, a trap, abrick wall. Most people take the easy option andavoid risking change. The courage of these youngstersin pioneering alternative learning options is an example to all.

Their Sydney itinerary includes Outward Bound activities aimed at creating team-building skills, plus achance to participate in vocational skills workshops.They can choose to attend a WRAPS workshop inbeauty, hairdressing, retail and floristry, or a GranvilleTAFE workshop in painting and decorating, bricklaying, welding or photography.

At Learning Choices Expo, they will share ideas andexperiences, share a pride in presenting their ownsuccessful programs, benefit from vocational skills,

motivation and self-development workshops andteam building activities, plus enjoy the rewards oftheir hard work - the trip to Sydney, a first for many,dining out in Chinatown, an IMAX movie, and a nighttour of Sydney.

Someone once said there's not a single pressing needin today's society that skilled professionals can'timmediately respond to with a conference.

Delegates may - or may not - leave Learning ChoicesExpo unanimous in the value of providing alternativeeducation options, but the youth participants involvedin showcasing their programs will have the value oftheir decision to seek alternative education well andtruly reinforced.

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS PROVIDE THE HUMAN DIMENSION

Adelaide Hills Vocational College [SA]Jennifer Cook jecook@mtbhs.sa.edu.au

Adelaide Hills Vocational College combines SACE (South AustralianCertificate of Education) with TAFE courses, work experience and community programs. Most lessons are taught at Mount Barker TAFE. Arange of local community agencies and organisations provide support.There are no bells, no yard duties, no detention or time-out, no boundariesat recess or lunch and no uniforms.

Balga High School – Young Parents and ‘No Dole’ Dramaprogram [WA]Jackie Fatnowna jackie.fatnowna@bhs.wa.edu.auChristina Parry christina.parry@bhs.wa.edu.au

The Balga Senior High School Young Parents program meets each individ-ual’s needs with a holistic approach to support them to become strongwell-rounded parents and invaluable members of their community. ‘NoDole’ Drama uses a range of structured workshops and performance tasksto explore conflict resolution and mediation, public speaking, impromptuspeech making, breathing and relaxation, body language, status and impro-visation.

BEE Strong Program [NSW]Nicole Salmon-Seivers Nsseivers@burnside.org.au

The UnitingCare Burnside / Links to Learning Program targets Year 7 & 8students and adheres to principles of strength-based practice where students recognise and mobilise their strengths and resources toward solutions to life difficulties. This learning environment enables young peopleto be educated while participating in everyday life activities, such as budgeting, shopping and goal setting.

Boys from the Bush [QLD]Milton James Milton_James@optusnet.com.au

The Boys from the Bush program is a social enterprise program for youngAboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders living on Cape York Peninsulabetween the ages of 12 and 18 years. The program uses the productionand sale of native oils and related products to help young participantsbreak the cycle. It helps in the transition from boyhood to manhood, play towork and provides pre-employment skills.

Birribi & Spanners – Flexible Programs, Brooks HighSchool [TAS]Robert Fleming rob.fleming@education.tas.gov.au

A whole-school approach - students are involved with car restoration,motorcycle rebuilding and sales, BMX bike rebuilds and sales, murals,Aboriginal craft, multiple art genres, equipment maintenance, antiquerestoration, basic landscaping, a gifted and talented art program,leadership training and many individualised programs supporting the ongoing social development of all students involved.

STUDENTSBenson HuntAshleigh BryanBen Standing

STUDENTS Shardae MaxwellLeanne GreenoughSiobhan & JacksonMcDonagh Chelsey & Zachariah KingNakita & Tommy StephensAmber & RoshaanMcClintock

STUDENTS Tara TaylorAndrew MoulangMonica Biel

STUDENTS Abia (Casper) InguiKirri BlarreyGodfrey Kerry

STUDENTS Joshua NielsonBobby TiemanCaitlin Viney

SH

OW

CA

SE

PR

OG

RA

MS

11.20 am Morning Tea.

11.45 am Expo Showcase - Session B.

Please attend the Showcase that you are registered for, as per the accompanying schedule.

Adelaide Hills Vocational College, Mount Barker High School, SABirribi and Spanners- Brooks High School, TASBoys from the Bush, Cape York Partnerships/Cape York Land Council, QLDCentre Education Programme, Logan City, QLDCessnock District Learning Centre, Cessnock, NSWNorthside High School Student Support Centre, Canberra, ACTSYC's (Service to Youth Council Inc) Transition Programs, Adelaide, SATaonga Education Centre, Manukau City, New ZealandThe Island, Collingwood College, North Fitzroy, VICKey College, Youth off the streets, Surry Hills, NSW

12.45pm Lunch.

1.45 pm Expo Showcase - Session C.

2.45 pm Discussion and Afternoon Tea.Special Interest Meeting Points.

An opportunity for people from like-minded programs to meet and exchange ideas.

3.15 pm Expo Showcase - Session D.

4.15 pm Brainstorm Productions present: Cheap Thrills.

Cheap Thrills, with humour and a touch of drama, explores how young people make sense of the contradictions and mixed messages of the worlds of adults. Is life really about "do as I say, not do as I do"?

5.15 pm Close.

6.30 pm Expo Dinner – Novotel Hotel, Sydney Olympic Park.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE

iNsiDe tHe eXPo - Movie Challenge

Graeme Bottomley Josh ThompsonJim Dastler Josh Seymor

Annalei O’Connor

Move over Spielberg, as the Mount Beauty Secondary College filmcrew document the trials, triumphs and tribulations of the studentteams at the Expo.Check out the film on the Learning Choices website post Expo.

HARK (Healthy Active Resilient Kids) [TAS]Steve Jenner steve.jenner@education.tas.gov.au

HARK is based on the belief that alienated youth can develop positive attitudes towards learning and community participation if they are able todevelop a strong personal relationship with a significant adult. The restoration and repair of Mini Minors, Mokes and other motor vehicles,catering (through our Hard Rock Café), gardening, boat repair, computeraccess, Physical Education, woodworking and metalworking are among theparticular interests catered for at HARK.

Northside High School Student Support Centre [ACT]Colleen Meadley nhsssc@internode.on.net

NHSSC works for 8 high schools who partly fund its operation and isstaffed by a teacher and youth worker in a youth centre. In a flexible,supportive environment the students are provided with an educational program that is tailored to their individual needs and addresses academicand social skills. To ensure that all students benefit from individual attention, enrolments don’t tend to rise above six students.

Optimal Learning [VIC]Graeme Brooks Graeme@optilearn.com.au

Optimal Learning, an RTO, provides accredited training in an environmentwhere young people are given responsibility for the culture, the leadershipand the code of honour by which they operate. Optimal Learning uses itsown unique methodology, part of which comes from Spiral Dynamics andNeuro-Linguistic Programming. Every participant in Optimal Learning contributes their skills and qualities to create a stimulating learning culturethat respects differences in values and learning styles.

SMART POEMS Program [QLD]Michelle Hildebrand m.Hildebrand@wmb.org.au

SMART POEMS is a holistic program that works on the issues that areimportant to most young people. It operates on the premise that youngpeople are the change agents in their own lives. It supports them on theirjourney through education, employment, personal development and thecreative ways that they experience these. A distance education curriculumisused and youth workers support the students. SMART POEMS is voluntaryand hands back responsibility and control of planning to the young person.

Studentworks [TAS]Linda Farrington lsw@vision.net.au

Studentworks, an incorporated body, enables students to achieve nationallyaccredited work-related competencies as well as increased confidence intheir own ability by working alongside experienced qualified trade instructors in the manufacture of products to commercial standards. Inshort, Studentworks is a small competitive manufacturing business thatenables students to learn about the world of work by working in such anenvironment on alternate weeks of the school year.

STUDENTSAnna GordonDannica PridmoreDavid Hutchinson

SH

OW

CA

SE

PR

OG

RA

MS

STUDENTSJess SmithScott FitzgeraldPhilip O'Hara

STUDENTSTrista JohnsonAshley RobisonCasey HetheringtonRenee Dover

STUDENTSRyan IzattSamantha BrookGlenn Burrows

STUDENTSAmber ColemanAshley RobertsDean Richardson

Centre Education Programme [QLD]Dale Murray dbm00@powerup.com.au

Operating for 18 years, the Centre Education Programme (CEP) provideseducational pathways for young people who cannot access mainstreameducation. CEP educates in the following areas; literacy, numeracy, SOSE,outdoor/environmental education, technology and arts. Attendees areencouraged to make a commitment to the following principles; Respect,Safe and Legal, Participation and being fair dinkum.

Cessnock District Learning Centre Inc. [NSW]Anne-Marie Doolan cdlc@hunterlink.net.au

This Links to Learning / Students at Risk program aims to develop skills,experience and confidence in their students. Around 40 students in theCessnock LGA attend this off-site program each year. The programs includeLiteracy, Numeracy, Certificate 1. Computers, Physical Education, SeniorFirst Aid Certificate, Life Saving and a demanding adventure/camping program.

CityEast@Randwick College [NSW]Josephyne Oliveri cityeast@tafensw.edu.au

Teachers work with and alongside students in an adult learning environment. The relationship between staff and students is extremelypositive with shared respect and concern for the individual. Through negotiation with staff each student has their learning program custombuilt. It operates in an adult environment and offers academic, vocationand social skill development programs for 16-19 year olds. The programaims to link each student into an industry of their choice.

Enterprise Education: School’s Bazaar [QLD]Louise Earnshaw louise@psy.uq.edu.au

At Enterprise Ed: School’s Bazaar students develop new ventures from apassion or opportunity by constructively using their maverick behaviour.Through the process of business development the need for literacy,numeracy, technology and interpersonal skills is apparent; leading to relevant, rewarding learning and career alternatives.

FLAME – Noosa Youth Service [QLD]Steve Coolican scoolican@noosayouth.org.au

The Flexible Learning and Alternative Mobile Education (FLAME) programme is negotiated with students who choose activities and projectsof interest to them. Students over a period of a term are challenged aboutthe way in which they interact with peers, family members and community.Specifically, relationships with significant people in their lives are examinedand discussed.

STUDENTSDaniel GrahameRenee MarshallTaurian Nain

STUDENTSKate TaylorChris ParkinsonBo Margin

STUDENTSGreer EwingApostalia MaurisVictor Condogeorges

STUDENTSBianca Anderson-AdamsTiffany SimsKara Sweetman

STUDENTSMatt WestonJamie FranklinKoree Hazlegrove

SH

OW

CA

SE

PR

OG

RA

MS

7.30 – 8.30 am Registration.Tea and coffee on arrival.

8.30 am Welcome back and the day ahead.Colin James (MC)

8.45 am Reflections on Day One: Comments from rapporteurs.Rob Long, Australian Catholic University, ACTRoger Holdsworth, Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne

Rob and Roger will pull together the lessons from the student showcase andpresent the key challenges for participants on the final day of the Expo.

9:15 am Learning Alternatives: Keys to opportunity. Rev. Bill Crews, The Exodus Foundation, Sydney

Bill Crews argues for learning alternatives as powerful pathways for young people facing multiple barriers to learning. By combining innovative approaches to learning and addressing other needs, young people have the opportunity to develop skills and become confident about themselves and their future.

9:30 am Workshop - Session One.Please attend the Workshop that you are registered for, as per the accompanying schedule.

Tackling Risk: a challenging program in profile.Amanda Webster, WAYS Youth Services, NSWJo Poynter, Salvation Army OASIS Youth Support Network, NSWA program meeting the learning needs of young people on the edge, emotionally, physically and socially. Here’s how they do it.

United We Stand: building a community of practice in New Zealand & Australia.Isopo Samu (Samu), Alternative Education Whangerei – Co-ordinator, NZAlternative education is thriving in New Zealand. There is an impressive range of exciting programs and approaches, innovative ideas, and a particularly strong tradition in indigenous education. The New Zealand Government is backing practitioners with policy recognition as well asexplicit encouragement and support for networking and development among practitioners themselves. This workshop offers some tantalizing food for thought from our trans-Tasman cousins and an opportunity to discuss ideas, actions and the development of an Australian Community of Practice.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 24TH JUNESYC’s Transition Programs [SA]

Sarah Bishop sbishop@syc.net.au

SYC’s Transition Programs offer young people aged 14-21 years a range ofaccredited and non accredited programs that focus on recreation and adventure, personal development, managing emotions, literacy, numeracy,work readiness and life skills. Community volunteers, sporting personalitiesand the police are engaged as mentors, providing additional support androle modelling to young people.

SYN FM - Switching on the Learning through audio [VIC]Simon Goodrich simon.goodrich@syn.org.au

90.7 SYN FM is a full time community radio broadcaster dedicated to theyouth of Melbourne. With at least half the presenters being under 18, SYNFM provides an alternative classroom and publication point to engageyoung people of all abilities. It is the only radio station of its kind in theworld. Since last January, over 1000 students from 60 educationalproviders have presented live-to-air pieces.

Taonga Education Centre [NZ]Erana Doolan erana@taonga.org.nz

Taonga Education Centre is a teenage mothers' programme run from aTikanga Maori (indigenous) perspective. The mums complete secondaryeducation level whilst learning parenting and life-skills, including gainingtheir driver’s licence and completing first aid courses. Babies are cateredfor on-site and interactive parent-child programmes are included in the curriculum.

The Island [VIC]Anne Broadribb broadribb.anne.c@edumail.vic.gov.au

For around 30 years The Island has provided hands on training for youngpeople. Students work in trade-based workshops to gain skills to get themapprenticeships/further training. All workshops work as mini-businesses tocomplete projects for customers. Students can choose hospitality,automotive, construction, engineering, horticulture or furniture making.Students are enrolled in Certificate II in their chosen field and in VictorianCertificate and Applied Learning (VCAL). No teachers are employed in theprogram. The workshop instructors are tradesmen experienced in their particular field.

Youth Off The Streets – Key College [NSW]Bernadette Eviston keycollege@youthoffthestreets.com.au

Key College is a small accredited high school in Surry Hills set up to caterfor 8–10 homeless youth offering education for Years 7–12 and also support students to gain School Certificate and HSC. Key College takes aholistic approach to education, offering individual learning programs tohelp students overcome barriers such as drug addiction, crime and homelessness to lead positive and healthy lives.

STUDENTSMichael DanieliJessica CameronJoel Monier

STUDENTSDominic EvansEsther HurleyKera Ropley

STUDENTSMarjorie RogersAne Halahingano FetokaiEileen Te Hairuku Davis

STUDENTSBeau MacklinJason DearingPierre Apii

STUDENTSQuang Tri TranAnnielea VenessNicole Diamond

SH

OW

CA

SE

PR

OG

RA

MS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 24TH JUNE

To what extent are young people who are compelled to be at school actually there? What is the level of truancy, and school exclusions, suspensions and expulsions in Australia? Using the latest data John Ainley, the head of research at ACER, will look at what is reported and what is not, and test the policy implications.

11.25 am Panel discussion: How can learning alternatives succeed?Viv White, Victorian Schools Innovation CommissionGraham Speight, Rosetta High School, TASKaye Schofield, Kaye Schofield and Associates, NSW

Leading educationalists discuss how learning alternatives can succeed for students and communities.

12.05 am Have we got what it takes? The skills, rewards and recognition needed for teachers, youth workers and others in learning alternatives.Christine Owen, Australian National Schools Network, ACT

In a workshop format, Christine will engage Expo participants in an extended conversation about the skills required to provide young people with authentic learning opportunities. Together participants will address ways to deal with practitioner burn-out and renew the practitioner workforce. How can we improve the status and recognition of those involved in the delivery of learning alternatives?

12.50 am Lunch.

1.30 pm Workshop - Session Two.Please attend the workshop that you are registered for, as per the accompanying schedule.

Educational rights are worth more than the paper they’re written on: advocacy skills and know-how.Simon Moran, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, NSWEric Sidoti, Strategic Options and the Dusseldorp Skills ForumState Governments rely heavily on a legislated obligation for young people to attend school with several States now raising the school-leaving age as a key plank in their school retention strategies. But just what obligations do these Governments have to provide a quality education? That’s the question we put to PIAC (the Public Interest Advocacy Centre). This workshop offers you the opportunity to consider the key findings of this important new report and to use those findingsas a vehicle for honing your advocacy skills.

Working the web.Lisa Kuhne, Central Gippsland TAFE, VICInternet based learning is proving to be successful with students, not only engaging them in learning but teaching basic computer skills as well. Lisa Kuhne will share some great websites andprograms that have proven successful with their students.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 24TH JUNE

Metamorphosis: when a school becomes the alternative.Merv Hammond, Balga High School, WAChristina Parry, Balga High School, WAWarren Pill, Brooks High School, TASIt is possible for a whole school to learn from the individual programs it develops. When it does,new opportunities emerge to the benefit of all: students, staff and their own community. In this workshop, practitioners from two high schools at the opposite ends of our wide country tell their stories, share their insights and offer suggestions for those who dare to imagine schools doing it differently.

The pros and cons of an alternative program being part of the system: VCAL/ SACE / ACE. Arden Joseph, Victorian Qualifications AuthorityRod Bauer, Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South AustraliaDelia Bradshaw, TEXTCRAFT Educational Consultancy, VICThe Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, the South Australian Certificate of Education and the Adult and Community Education sector are challenging the notions of 'mainstream' and 'alternative'. But can our education systems reformthemselves or are alternatives experiencing a new way of being marginalised? Policy-makers and practitioners will discuss what is happening and what the possibilities are.

Poetry in motion: the POEM pilots two years on.Gerri Walker, Youth Education Centre, SAPaul Altschwager, Youth Education Centre, SAGreg Bryant, Department of Education, Science and Training, ACTAndrew Williamson, TOTeM, Victoria UniversityEstablished as a result of Footprints to the Future (May 2001), the Commonwealth Government's POEMs (Partnership Outreach Education Models) initiative was aimed at connecting disengaged young people to flexible and accredited education and training and tackling the barriers hindering their ability to succeed in the mainstream. The work shop will include an overview of POEMs andpresent the results from two projects - the Youth Education Centre (Adelaide) POEM which has a strong focus on young people in juvenile justice and TOTeM, at Victoria University (western Melbourne), which uses an intensive social and community engagement framework.

Real Learning Real FuturesBob Phillips, Derwent Valley, Department of Education, TASGraham Speight, Rosetta High School, TASTen schools in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley are working together in a ground-breaking project to re-engage students through collaboration, partnership and authentic learning.This workshop focuses on successes to date and the challenges ahead.

10.30 am Discussion and Morning Tea.Special Interest Meeting Points.An opportunity for people from like-minded programs to meet and exchange ideas.

11.00 am Who doesn’t have real choice? John Ainley, ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research), VIC

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 24TH JUNE

What makes a sustainable program: lessons from Victoria.Peter Cole, PTR Consulting, VICThe Victorian government has recently examined the alternative learning sector in that state: who do the alternatives cater for, what are students actually learning, what are the critical success factors, and what is needed to ensure learning alternatives are viable. Peter Cole speaks about what the sector thinks, is doing and what the possibilities are.

Mentors, mentors everywhere but what difference do they make?Megan Moore, Marist Transition School, VICJan Noake, Plan-It Youth, NSWMentoring programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but some programs still stand out from the crowd. Join some of the country’s more experienced mentoring program practitioners who will not only present their own programs but will open discussion on the place of mentoring as a particularly effective element in a broader support strategy for individual young people.

Australia is not an island: learning from international experience.Dale Murray, Centre Education Programme, QLDRussell Kerr, Hands on Learning, VICDale Murray and Russell Kerr are alternative educators whose practice is being shaped by recent visits to learning alternatives overseas. Schools and programs with innovative pedagogy, curricula and confronting ideas in the United States, Italy, Britain and New Zealand will be showcased in a discussion about what Australian practitioners can learn from overseas.

What Works: issues around learning and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.Cindy Hales, Learning and Engagement Centre, Education, QLDMuriel Eddleston, Indigenous Education & Training Alliance, QLDWhat Works is a nationwide program based on research regarding outcomes for indigenous students. It looks at an action strategy to improve these outcomes and works across age groups from early years to vocational pathways. This workshop looks at issues around learning and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students focusing on awareness, forming partnerships and sharing good practice. Cindy will share examples of the What Works program from the far northern districts of Queensland.

2.30 pm Plenary Session.Key messages from the Expo including the communiqué

3.00 pm Message from the students.

Concluding remarks.Jack Dusseldorp, Dusseldorp Skills Forum

3.30 pm Expo finishes.

PR

ESEN

TERS

BIO

GR

AP

HIES

Colin James (MC) Altmore InternationalColin James is one of Australia's leading Corporate Trainers, working extensivelythroughout Australasia and the Asia Pacific region consulting, designing, implementingand delivering training programs across a diverse range of subjects. He is ManagingDirector and Principal Trainer of Altmore International, the training company he established in 1989.

Jack Dusseldorp, Dusseldorp Skills ForumJack is currently Chairman of the Dusseldorp Skills Forum. In 1999, he was electedPresident of WorldSkills (reelected in 2003), the International Vocational TrainingOrganisation. He was Founder, Executive Director, and Chairman and is still a BoardMember of the WorldSkills Australia Foundation (previously WorkSkill) a nationalnot-for-profit organisation whose mission is to raise the status and standards of vocational training and work skills. Jack has Degrees in both Social Science and Lawand his working life has included time with the Law Foundation, the Evatt Foundationand heading up the Office of Youth Affairs in the Prime Ministers Department in 1985.

Roger Holdsworth, Australian Youth Research Centre, University of MelbourneRoger Holdsworth is a Senior Research Fellow at the Youth Research Centre. He was asecondary teacher for many years, has extensive experience in the community youthaffairs sector, and is particularly interested in the development of programs to supportyouth and student participation, particularly in schools. Roger also teaches within theEducation Policy, Schools and Society subject. He is editor and publisher of Connect(the newsletter of youth participation in education).

Eric Sidoti, Strategic Options and Dusseldorp Skills ForumEric has extensive experience in public policy development, analysis, strategic planningand communications. He established Strategic Options, a small consultancy, in 1992.Since then he has developed long-term relationships with a small number of clients,principally the Dusseldorp Skills Forum.

Rob Long, Australian Catholic UniversityRob has been a teacher for more than 30 years at every level in the education sector.He has taught across South Australia country regions, Sydney Met West and in the ACTin government and non-government schools, TAFE and University. Rob currently lectures in Research Methods, Management and Leadership and the Master in YouthStudies program with ACU National. He also consults in education, training and development for the WorkWise Group and SafeMAP.

Rev Bill Crews, The Exodus FoundationBill became Director of the Crisis Centre at the Wayside Chapel in 1972. He establishedthe first type of modem youth refuge in Australia. Early in 1978 he became involvedalong with the Rev. Ted Noffs in creating the Life Education Centre which are now allover Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, New Zealand, England and America. In 1986 hewas ordained the Minister of the Ashfield Uniting Church there he created the ExodusFoundation to assist homeless and abandoned youth and other people in need. Rev.Crews was included in the National Trust's 100 "National Living Treasures" in 1998and was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) in 1999.

PR

ESEN

TERS

BIO

GR

AP

HIES

WORKSHOPSJohn Ainley, ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research)John Ainley is Deputy CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)and Research Director of its National and International Surveys Program. Dr Ainley iscurrently involved in the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth, which studies theprogress of young people in Australia through school, post-secondary education,training and work. He has conducted major research studies of the social developmentof young Australians, the development of literacy over the first five years of school andsocioeconomic status and school education. In the area of post-compulsory education,Dr Ainley has conducted national surveys of subject choice and reports on work-basedlearning programs for senior students and the course experiences of university students.

Viv White, Victorian Schools Innovation CommissionFormer National Coordinator of the Australian National Schools Network, Viv White, isnow the Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Schools Innovation Commission (VSIC).With more than thirty years experience in both the education and policy-making sector,Viv is renowned for her innovative thinking and challenging perspective. Viv is committed to working closely with teachers and school communities to build collective knowledge about the education practice. She believes that only through systematicallysharing professional knowledge and practice will real improvement for students bepossible.

Graham Speight, Rosetta High School, TasmaniaGraham Speight is the Principal of Rosetta High School, a comprehensive co-education-al school in Hobart’s northern suburbs. Graham has been the principal of a number ofschools and has been active as an author and consultant over a number of years. Thisis Graham’s third year at Rosetta High School where he is leading a significant changeprocess. He also leads the Real Learning/Real Futures Project which is centred on theten secondary schools of the Derwent District.

Kaye Schofield, Kaye Schofield and AssociatesKaye is one of Australia's leading independent commentators, researchers and policyanalysts in the field of adult and vocational education. Kaye chairs the NSW Board ofAdult and Community Education and the South Australian TAFE Board and is an exofficio member of the NSW TAFE Board. She is also a Trustee of the Dusseldorp SkillsForum and of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.

Christine Owen, Australian National Schools NetworkChristine Owen is National Coordinator of the Australian National Schools Network(ANSN), a position she has held since early 2002. With previous experience as NationalProject Manager at the Australian College of Educators and more than thirty yearsexperience as a secondary teacher, curriculum consultant and professional developmentcoordinator (ACT and NSW), Christine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise tonational and local projects in teaching and learning.

Paul Altschwager

Rod Bauer

Delia Bradshaw

Greg Bryant

Peter Cole

Muriel Eddleston

Cindy Hales

Merv Hammond

Arden Joseph

Russell Kerr

Lisa Kuhne

Megan Moore

Simon Moran

Dale Murray

Jan Noake

Bob Phillips

Warren Pill

Jo Poynter

Isopo Samu

Gerri Walker

Amanda Webster

Andrew Williamson