AN expert panel has been appointed to conduct an independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy performance in the ACT.

The ACT government says the panel will work with, and seek to reflect the views and aspirations of, the ACT community. It will consult with academics, educators, unions, parents, carers and students. Details of an open public submissions process will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We know the ACT performs well compared to other jurisdictions, but we are always striving to improve,” says Education Minister Yvette Berry.

“Through the inquiry we will gain local insights into the opportunities for strengthening literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students, with a particular focus on equity. The inquiry will also look at how supports for educators and students could be enhanced.”

The members of the Literacy and Numeracy Expert Panel are:

• Professor Barney Dalgarno (chair)
  Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra
• Professor Mary Ryan
  Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts at the Australian Catholic University
• Professor Catherine Attard
  Professor in Mathematics Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for Educational Research within the School of Education at Western Sydney University 
• Associate Professor Pauline Jones
  Associate Professor at the School of Education at the University of Wollongong
• Tim McCallum
  Executive Director of School Performance for the Regional North Operational Directorate in the NSW Department of Education

The expert panel’s report will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the last sitting day in June 2024.