The audit objective was to establish if the Department of Education (DoE) knows what information and communication technology (ICT) schools need to support students and if public schools can access these appropriately.
Our lines of inquiry were:
- Is ICT in public schools appropriately planned and managed?
- Can public schools access the ICT advice and support they need?
We focused on the activities of DoE in ensuring Western Australian public schools have access to ICT. We specifically focused on DoE’s progress against their Information and Communications Technology in the Western Australian Public School System: Vision Statement and Priorities 2014-2016.
In undertaking the audit we:
- reviewed plans, policies, procedures, and meeting minutes from DoE
- reviewed reports and other documents from DoE
- analysed school Computer Census data from DoE 2012 to 2015
- interviewed stakeholders, including the Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association, Western Australian Secondary School Executives Association, and school staff
- reviewed publications and research from other jurisdictions
- conducted site visits to 12 schools across the state – refer Appendix 1. The sampled schools were 5 primary schools, 2 district high schools (years 7 to 10), and 5 secondary schools
- conducted a survey of WA public schools that sought input on how schools are using ICT and key challenges they are facing. We received 454 responses from 333 schools
- did not look at DoE administration systems.
We conducted this narrow scope performance audit under section 18 of the Auditor General Act 2006 and in accordance with Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards. Narrow scope performance audits have a tight focus and generally target agency compliance with legislation, public sector policies and accepted good practice. The approximate cost of tabling this report is $280,000.