Eight education systems: resource allocation policies in the government school systems of Australia and New Zealand

Most of the staff and resources in government schools in Australia and New Zealand are directly allocated by state education authorities. This direct allocation occurs either at a central or regional level. System- wide resource allocation policies set the boundaries within which schools operate. This report documents the ways in which eight government education systems allocate staff and resources to schools. Differences and new developments are noted in order to suggest future initiatives and similarities are described so that the foundations of policies can be elucidated. Detailed compilations of the staffing formulae used by each system are reported. The authors note that these formulae govern closely the allocation of staff to schools. At present there is little scope for recognition of the special requirements of individual schools. It is suggested that there should be a greater recognition of school- determined priorities. An approach called a basket of services is discussed. It also suggests basing a proportion of school staffing on school needs using a system of prospective reviews of circumstances and programs.