Science, ICT and Mathematics Education in Rural and Regional Australia: The SiMERR National Survey - Abridged Report of Findings

Abstract

The SiMERR National Survey generated over 100 findings relating to the circumstances and needs of Australian teachers involved in science, ICT and mathematics education. The following are the most significant of these findings. Supply and demand of teachers: Teachers in Provincial Areas1 were twice as likely, and those in Remote Areas about six times as likely as their Metropolitan and Provincial City colleagues to report high annual staff turnover rates (>20% p.a.) in their schools. Primary teachers in Provincial Areas were more than twice as likely, and those in Remote Areas up to six times as likely as those in Metropolitan Areas to report that it was 'very difficult' to fill vacant teaching positions in their schools. Secondary science, ICT and mathematics teachers in Provincial Areas were about twice as likely, and those in Remote Areas about four times as likely as those in Metropolitan Areas to report that it was 'very difficult' to fill vacant teaching positions in those subjects in their schools.