Not back to the 70's!

June 2004

Roger discards the flares and funky music and argues learning alternatives meet contemporary learning needs. But what have we learnt over the past 30 years or have we come full circle? Why are alternatives still needed and what are the ingredients for success?

Who doesn't have real choice?

June 2004

To what extent are young people who are compelled to be at school actually there? What is the level of truancy, and school exclusions, suspensions and expulsions in Australia? Using the latest data John Ainley, the head of research at ACER, will look at what is reported and what is not, and test the policy implications.

Good Practice in Learning Alternatives

June 2004

Roger Holdsworth of the Youth Research Centre at the University of Melbourne looks back over the past 30 years and says learning alternatives remain a valuable part of Australia's education system.

Learning in Alternative Settings

June 2004

Independent consultant Peter Cole reviews alternative settings in Victoria, and argues for policy change to improve their quality and sustainability.

Newspoll Survey Results: Opportunities for Youth

June 2004

A national Newspoll survey of Australian adults was conducted in June 2004, with the aim of measuring community opinion on issues such as the level of government support for education, the role of schooling, and education, training and employment opportunities for young people. This report contains summary graphics and written comments on the main findings of this research.

Have we got what it takes?

June 2004

Christine Owen of the Australian National Schools Network, brings together the Expo debates and questions.

Rights, Roles & Responsibilities

April 2004

The Right to Education and the Nature of Obligations on Australian Governments. Given that a young person is compelled to participate in education and/or training till at least the age of 15 or as long as 17 (depending on where they live) what type of education and of what quality are Governments legally compelled to deliver?

How to avoid education rat race

February 2004

We can speculate about the reasons why more parents are finding non-government schools attractive - the prospect of an improved chance at university entrance or greater affordability through increased public subsidies perhaps or even aversion to a supposedly values-neutral political correctness now sweeping state schools - but that's all. All the heat over the past few weeks reveals just how little we do know.

How Young People are Faring 2004

January 2004

How Young People are Faring 2004 reveals disturbing numbers of young people are being left behind, facing insecure employment, and reduced earnings over the long-term, as well as increased likelihood of poorer health and social disadvantage. The number of teenagers not in full-time study or full-time work is the highest than at any time in the last six years.