THE state government will introduce new education reforms aimed at driving improvements in student outcomes.
With a focus on quality teaching, the government will introduce legislation to bring together three cornerstones of education standards: curriculum, student assessment and teacher quality under a single authority.
NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said the move would amalgamate the responsibilities of the Board of Studies NSW and the NSW Institute of Teachers to create a new governance body, the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BoSTES).
"The new body will continue to register non-government schools," Mr Piccoli said.
"It makes a lot of sense to have all these functions being developed and delivered by a single body.
"BoSTES will create a new capacity for the capture and analysis of information, as well as being able to use it as the basis for improved policy and services."
Board of Studies NSW president Tom Alegounarias said the development of BoSTES built on the measures included in the government's Great Teaching, Inspired Learning (GTIL) policy to improve teacher quality.
Acting chief executive of the NSW Institute of Teachers, Carol Taylor, of Cronulla, said BoSTES would continue to deliver the functions of the existing institute and board, including those requirements created under GTIL.
"BoSTES will also continue to consult and work closely with teachers and all school sectors in the development of curriculum, assessment, governance and professional development," Ms Taylor said.
"This vertical integration will bring together the best data and the best policy development opportunities for education reform.
"It puts NSW in a unique position in Australia and among a growing list of OECD jurisdictions that place standards at the centre of their education systems."
The amalgamation of the functions of the board and the institute will start when legislation is passed. The new BoSTES will be in place next January.