The teaching model which has been a catalyst for reform throughout Australia, as well as in Singapore and the United States, will be the focus of a two-day conference hosted by the University of Newcastle.

Over 350 teachers, consultants, university academics and students are expected to attend the 2007 Pedagogy in Practice conference which will discuss the challenges associated with consistently providing high quality learning experiences for every child.

The Quality Teaching model was commissioned by the NSW Department of Education and Training and written by University of Newcastle academics Associate Professor James Ladwig and Professor Jenny Gore. It has been three years since the Quality Teaching model was released in NSW public schools.

Conference Organiser, Professor Jenny Gore from the University of Newcastle said that the Quality Teaching model was about addressing key issues to help teachers teach well and providing them with useful resources.

"Research underpinning the Quality Teaching model has found that variation in student outcomes - particularly academic, but also social - is not due so much to differences between schools but to the impact of teachers within schools.

"Differences between schools do matter, but not as much as many people think. Up to half of the variance in results relates to the differences between teachers and classrooms within schools. The quality of teaching matters a lot more," said Professor Gore.

The interactive conference will feature NSW schools showcasing the success of the Quality Teaching model.

The Pedagogy in Practice conference will run from 17 - 18 January 2007 at Newcastle City Hall. The conference is supported by the University of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Media are welcome to attend. Plenary sessions are scheduled in the Concert Hall at the following times:
Wednesday 17 January

• 9.30am - 10.30am, Keynote address by Professor Jenny Gore.
• 2pm - 3pm, Panel: A focus on the implementation of QT.

Thursday 18 January

• 11am - 12.30pm, Symposium: A focus on equity.
• 3.30pm - 4.45pm, Plenary: Showcase of schools meeting the QT challenge.