This report provides evidence beyond simple international rankings that the achievement levels of Australian students declined in the period 2000 to 2012. Preface Over the past two decades there has been an increase in the attention given to education policy, practice and improvement. Stories about education abound in news media and other forums to a...

This report identifies and measures the usage and activities of Australia's public library services and the services they offer. Foreword The National Library and the State and Territory libraries throughout Australia are represented by the peak body, National & State Libraries Australasia (NSLA). NSLA members also represent the interests of the public library networks within...

Regular attendance at school provides children with opportunities to develop the basic skills for learning, and assists in the development of social skills including communication, self-esteem, teamwork and friendship building. Attendance is a precursor for learning and onward skill development. Understanding how patterns of attendance are established in the early years of school and the...

Young people who leave school early are at greater risk of experiencing long-term unemployment and slipping into social exclusion as a result. This paper looks at the risk factors associated with young people exiting the education system prematurely, particularly in a family context. The impact of parental separation and changes to family structure on academic...

This report argues that neither creating more competition among schools nor giving them more autonomy without support to improve learning are the vital solutions that will lift the performance of Australian students. Neither creating more competition among schools nor giving them more autonomy without support to improve learning are the vital solutions that will lift...