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...

Around half of Australia's Indigenous children are not enrolled in preschool education. This briefing paper recommends that two years of free, high quality and culturally appropriate preschool education should be made a priority for all Indigenous children.

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...

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...

The first surveyed the views of principals; the second examined the relative levels of funding of primary and secondary schools from the nineteenth century to the present; and the third presented intensive case studies of the level and use of resources in 30 primary schools. This study builds on the earlier studies and examines the...