Development of the Standards
Publication Timeline
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (also known as the VELS or the Standards) are presented on these web pages. The Standards were released in three stages. The first stage, released in December 2004, included:
- the rationale and structure
- descriptions of the three core essential learning strands
- introductions to the learning domains and dimensions within each strand
- descriptions of each of the stages of learning
- descriptions of features of learning at each of the six levels
- assessment principles.
The second stage was launched by the Minister of Education and Training in March 2005 and included:
- learning focus statements for each domain at each level
- standards for each learning domain
- some sample units to assist schools in their planning and understanding of the standards.
This material was also published on the Student Learning April 2005 DVD that was distributed to schools and the education community in May 2005.
The Standards are supported by work initiated through the Blueprint for Government Schools, including:
- Curriculum Planning Guidelines (www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/curriculum/preptoyear10/guidelines/default.htm)
- Principles of Learning and Teaching P–12 (www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teachingprinciples/default.htm)
- Assessment and Reporting Advice (www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/assessment/default.htm)
- Knowledge Bank (www.education.vic.gov.au/knowledgebank/default.asp).
These resources and/or links to online resources were also included on the Student Learning April 2005 DVD.
In December 2005, the third stage was published on the Standards website. This stage included revised learning focus statements and standards. These were revised as an outcome of the Validation of the Standards undertaken in 2005. It also included some new support materials for schools. This stage included additional support materials for schools. Some of these are based on existing materials, some are newly developed, while others are based on programs and practice from Victorian schools. The materials include:
- revised sample units of work
- sample assessment tasks
- assessment maps
- annotated student work samples.
A second Student Learning DVD replaced the April 2005 version and was distributed to schools in February 2006.
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards have been developed through extensive consultation and collaboration with schools, the teaching profession, education researchers, education sectors and the broader community. The Victorian Assessment and Curriculum Authority gratefully acknowledges the work of the many individuals, schools and organisations who assisted in the development process. The Contributors section provides a detailed list.
