Vertical Integration: Teachers’ Knowledge and Teachers’ Voice

The Ministerial Task Force in Western Australia has stimulated debate on the issue of vertical integration in the early years of school. This paper traces the theoretical basis for vertical integration, and some differences in pedagogy between preprimary and primary teachers. Contrasts are drawn between transmission-based pedagogy with a higher level of teacher control, and acquirer-based pedagogy with a higher level of pupil control. It is suggested that these important issues of pedagogical knowledge should be addressed in order to achieve the underlying principles of vertical integration. In addition, early childhood pedagogy will be maintained when teachers are able to articulate their pedagogical knowledge and act as advocates for their profession.