A selection framework for Australian teaching and learning materials that develop understanding of the preservation of Indigenous culture : the 'other' Australians

Australia is developing a new national curriculum that is being phased into primary and secondary schools from 2012 (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA] 2009). In early childhood education, this new national curriculum is supported by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Department of Employment, Educations and Work Place Relations [DEEWR] 2009). A key feature of the new national curriculum is for all teachers to implement an Indigenous perspective into the context of knowledge and skills being taught in Australian classrooms. Publishers and teachers are preparing new teaching and learning resources to implement the new curriculum. This article will develop a framework to support teachers in evaluating, selecting and using teaching and learning materials to implement the culturally inclusive perspective in the teaching of content and skills. The national curriculum and EYLF enables educators across Australia to focus on preserving the cultural heritage of Australia’s Indigenous population and to promote learning partnerships between teachers, communities and families. It is hoped that the new national curriculum will develop increased knowledge and understanding of the Indigenous perspectives in all children. Achieving the aims of the curriculum requires that materials and teaching practices must present and value Indigenous cultural heritage for all students. The Australian Government’s aim is that all early childhood students in Australia will be educated equally, with cultural heritage being honoured and encouraged to improve schooling outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.