Only four per cent of 17 year olds in a this study had not completed Year 12, participated in an alternative vocational program or found full time employment. The majority of those who did not complete Year 12 were fully engaged in employment, education or training (80 per cent of males and 58 per cent...

Most children naturally develop verbal language skills by hearing others speak and by observing the communication process. However, the ability to read and write the printed text that represents spoken language – that is, to be literate (American Medical Association [AMA], 1999; Baker, 1999; Rowe & Rowe, 1999) – does not develop as a matter...

In December 2007, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to a partnership between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to pursue substantial reform in the areas of education, skills and early childhood development, to deliver significant improvements in human capital outcomes for all Australians. This discussion paper provides the basis for the initial round...

The Australian and state and territory governments are committed to the development of a national Early Years Learning Framework, and a process of consultation with the early childhood sector about the nature and content of the Framework is currently being undertaken. This Policy Brief is designed to provide policy makers and practitioners with an orientation...

Starting school is an exciting but also potentially stressful time for children and families alike. It is one of the key transition points during childhood. All such transitions are known to be times of particular vulnerability for young children, when earlier developmental and social progress is placed at risk. A successful transition to school is...