Results from the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006 show that, while the scientific literacy levels of Australian 15-year-olds are significantly above the OECD average, and either similar to or higher than most of our trading partners, many students in Australia continue to struggle. The average performance of Australian students in scientific literacy...

An overly negative view of literacy and reluctance to take account of history has limited research and led indirectly to the advancement of some unproductive ideas about literacy, according to this review of research on literacy education by the Australian Council for Educational Research. The review argues that a false dichotomy has developed in literacy...

This review argues that a false dichotomy has developed in literacy theory between 'code' and 'meaning-emphasis', a dichotomy sometimes wrongly equated with the debate between 'phonics' and 'whole language' approaches to teaching. This leads teachers of early literacy to believe that they must choose between the two methods, when in fact effective teachers use elements...

Participation in school-based arts education programs can have a positive impact on students' engagement with learning, according to recent ACER research. However, there was little statistical evidence of improvement in academic progress as a result of participation in arts education. Jennifer Bryce reports on the study. Anecdotal evidence from Australian arts programs and overseas studies...

This evaluation of four Australian school-based arts programs found that, although there was no evidence of improvement in academic progress, involvement in arts programs has a positive impact on students' engagement with learning and often leads to improved attendance at school.Participation in school-based arts education programs can have a positive impact on students' engagement with...