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Foreword

The second edition of the CSF represents an outstanding collaborative achievement by all sectors of the Victorian education community. More than 15,000 Victorian teachers, along with many educators, subject specialists, researchers, professional associations and community groups have contributed to its development during the two year period of review. Members of committees for each key learning area generously devoted their time and expertise to support the work of the CSF Review and incorporate the outcomes of broad community consultation into the development of CSF II.

The result is a framework that achieves comparability with the highest Australian and international standards, while building on the most valuable ideas about teaching and learning from the first edition.

The framework is designed to support teachers and parents in meeting the learning needs of all students. It provides a strong focus for teaching and learning (the curriculum) and clear statements of what students are expected to achieve (the standards) in eight key learning areas during the first eleven years at school.

This edition takes into account the skills and knowledge students now need to prepare them for work and further learning in an increasingly information-rich world. This is reflected in a stronger emphasis on information technology in all learning areas and the development of workplace-related skills for a range of vocational opportunities.

The Board acknowledges the work of the CSF Advisory Committee chaired by Ms Susan Pascoe and the management and production team led by Ms Chris Kotur. Susan Pascoe was tireless in her leadership and she was especially effective in ensuring a strong consultation process. Her advisory committee provided excellent counsel. Chris Kotur was meticulous in her leadership and coordination of the many designers, writers and reviewers whose work is manifest in CSF II.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority looks forward to schools using the framework as the basis for developing improved programs, effectively monitoring student achievement and reporting to parents and the community.

Professor Kwong Lee Dow	Professor Sam Ball
Chair	Executive Officer