The SMH welcomes the proposals to government that will improve transparency about how universities use ATARs and other criteria in admissions.
The federal government Higher Education Standards Panel investigation has produced 14 recommendations for Education Minister Simon Birmingham.
The good news is that the ATAR doesn't matter as much as universities or even parents say. Phew. Only one-third of students gain university entry based solely on their ATAR.
The bad news for universities is that from 2018 they will have to be more transparent about how they use ATARs and other criteria in admissions.
The good news for future potential university students, though, is twofold. Not only will they see clearly what's required to gain entry, but also universities will still admit school leavers with an ATAR below 50. In 2016 they were 4 per cent of entries.
Most will improve transparency and comparability of university offerings. Universities would need to disclose the lowest ATAR to receive an offer; the maximum number of bonus points available; the percentage of students admitted with bonus points; and the ATAR required to be in the top 25 per cent, the bottom 25 per cent and the middle of the student intake.
Many educators believe the ATAR has attracted too much focus. It is widely misunderstood, is not a definitive measure of a student's ability, knowledge or suitability for a particular course, and it can be gamed.
While the Herald believes the ATAR is worthwhile, we welcome moves to make its use more transparent.
