About the Department

Directions and Priorities

The establishment of the Department in 2007 marked the beginning of a new approach to learning and development—one that supports children and their families from birth through to adulthood. The directions and priorities under the following categories have been developed to help meet this objective:

Plans and vision

  • Corporate Plan - our Department’s Corporate Plan contains a comprehensive five-year plan.
  • Victoria as a Learning Community: University of Melbourne Special Lecture by Minister Dixon – In a speech marking one year of the Government’s term in office, the Minister for Education has outlined his vision for school education reform in a special lecture at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne.
  • The Victorian Government's Vision for Languages Education - outlines the Government's commitment to languages education in Victorian schools including the introduction of compulsory languages education for all government school students by 2025.
  • Stakeholder Engagement Framework - the Department-wide framework for stakeholder engagement.

Resources and initiatives

  • Initiatives and Programs - our initiatives and programs play an important role in achieving our outcomes and are the means we have of delivering the strategic priorities outlined in our corporate plan.
  • 'Go For Your Life' Education Initiatives - this initiative acknowledges that encouraging healthy eating and an active lifestyle in school aged students is a key element in preparing children for a healthy lifestyle.
  • Research - research undertaken or commissioned by the Department focuses on areas that are most important to improve the quality, participation and outcomes of education for Victorians.
  • Outcomes for Victoria's Children - we work with other government departments to systematically monitor the safety, health, development, learning and wellbeing of Victorian children and young people, from birth to adulthood.
  • Victorian Deaf Education Institute - through VDEI, the Department is committed to improving educational outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children and young people from birth to 18 years throughout Victoria.
  • Autism Friendly Learning - children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represent a diverse body of individuals requiring a wide range of supports and intervention services.

Legislation

  • Legislation - the Department’s Ministers – the Minister for Higher Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for the Teaching Profession; the Minister for Education; and the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development – administer various Acts of Parliament that outline and support the Department's responsibilities and work.
  • Ministerial Orders - are signed orders issued by the responsible Minister to clarify responsibilities and give direction about the charging of fees or other specific matters.

Partnerships

  • National Partnerships - Victoria is working with the Australian Government to improve early childhood, schooling and youth transition outcomes for all Victorian children and young people. Over the next seven years the Victorian and Australian Governments are providing significant funding to improve outcomes in these areas through the National Partnerships for Smarter Schools, Early Childhood Development and Youth Attainment and Transitions.
  • Families as Partners in Learning - a practical resource for early childhood services and schools to build and strengthen family partnerships.