This report discusses the findings of an investigation into student attendance in Australian schools for Education Ministers. it presents the findings of: analysis of attendance data, a rapid literature review on barriers to attendance, and a rapid literature review on approaches to supporting attendance and addressing student absence.

This paper is the second in a series of analytical insights papers, which provide accessible, up-to-date analysis of educational datasets. It’s the first in a series that uses the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO)’s new Longitudinal Literacy and Numeracy in Australia (LLANIA) dataset to explore educational questions.

This paper draws on the latest National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) data to discuss student participation and engagement with the tests – factors which impact the quality and usefulness of the results. The paper highlights important considerations for interpretation of student results and future implementation of NAPLAN.