In this fascinating interview, Mark Nevill, a former member of the WA Legislative Council and a veteran educator in remote communities, reflects on how dramatically the education of Aboriginal students has changed over the past six decades.
Mark refers back to the beginning of his teaching career at Balgo Hills Mission in the 1960s. It was a disciplined, structured environment and he taught Aboriginal kids to read and write despite the lack of resources. Their level of literacy was impressive; his students were eager to learn, attended school regularly, and got a solid foundation in reading and writing through phonics and dictation.
Mark has observed a tremendous decline in educational outcomes since those days. The abandonment of phonics in favor of a 'whole language' approach in the 1970s, along with less structured learning environments, has led to what he describes as a collapse in literacy levels among younger generations of Aboriginal students.
Mark contrasts the orderly routines of the past — roll calls, standing up and sitting down in class, and a focus on handwriting — with the more relaxed, entertainment-focused approaches he observed when he returned to teaching in the early 2000s. According to Mark, this shift away from disciplined learning has contributed to a lack of focus and declining educational standards.
Mark passionately advocates for a return to phonics-based literacy programs in Aboriginal communities where such methods have proven effective. He also stresses the need for consistent, uniform education programs across remote areas, which would help mitigate the challenges posed by the transient nature of Aboriginal populations.
Mark’s reflections are not limited to the classroom. He also discusses the broader cultural challenges that impact education, such as the practice of payback and the effects of substance abuse in remote communities. Mark’s experiences call attention the urgent need for educational reform in Aboriginal communities.
It also highlights the importance of our philosophy: 'Need, Not Race.' We advocate for government resources and programs to be allocated based on actual need rather than race. This is central to our broader mission to address the systemic inequalities and adversity faced by remote Aboriginal communities. Learn how you can follow or support our cause.
Pictured above: Balgo, WA
