Conditions in Australian schools, 1978

This survey is the second in a series of surveys carried out every two years since 1976 by the Australian Teachers' Federation (now the Australian Teachers' Union). The basic aim of this survey program is to gather information on the working conditions of teachers and students - the human and physical resources available - in government primary and secondary schools in all Australian states and territories. The principal or a senior teacher from each school in the sample was asked to complete a questionnaire which covered the following information: numbers of students and total numbers of teachers; numbers of ancillary staff and non-teacher professional staff; actual class sizes in both primary and secondary school classes; perceived shortfalls in staffing and in relief teachers; a breakdown of the types of duties undertaken by each classification of teaching staff. A question was also included on the number of students requiring and receiving special needs assistance (such as migrant or intensive English) and the number of hours spent in careers counselling. The numbers of classrooms with various facilities (cooling, heating etc), with maintenance problems, and with occupational health difficulties (dust, glare, noise, fumes etc) were collected; in addition, the total numbers of classrooms, and purpose built areas (such as laboratories, canteens, art rooms etc) were enumerated, and assessed for their adequacy in terms of school needs. A question on whether an application had been made to the appropriate state department for renovation or additions to school buildings had been made, and the progress of the application was also asked.