New publications

'This report provides an overview of the results obtained from the Staff in Australia’s Schools (SiAS) 2013 survey commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Education and conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The work was supported by an Advisory Committee of government and non-government school authorities and other stakeholder groups... Final survey responses were received from 5,213 primary teachers in 619 schools (final response rate 32.8%), 10,349 secondary teachers in 511 schools (31.4%), 765 primary leaders in 516 schools (44.9%) and 874 secondary leaders in 435 schools (39.0%).' From Executive Summary, part of the full report online. See also the supplementary report, which analyses results for selected primary and secondary curriculum areas.

ACARA has tabled its Annual Report for 2013–14, which documents achievements over the past financial year. See highlights and full report.

'This paper examines the extent to which year-9 performance on the National Assessment Program—Language Arts and Numeracy (NAPLAN) predicts access to higher education as determined by subsequent achievement on year-12 Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) exams.' From Abstract, part of the full working paper online. Published as Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series Working Paper No. 22/14.

'The Mapping the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in Australia report charts Australia’s current capabilities in the humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS) and identifies gaps and opportunities for the future by developing a comprehensive understanding of student enrolment trends, and teaching and research activity and potential.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.

'This report reviews the research that underpins our knowledge of what makes great teaching. It goes on to question how we can record and develop teachers’ best practice in the classroom and ultimately makes suggestions about the strategies teachers can use to promote better learning.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.

'This research looked at the barriers and supports to young people seeking adult help for a friend experiencing mental health problems. It focused specifically on the influence that schools might have on young people’s propensity to seek adult help for a friend. The focus on schools makes sense because almost all young people in NSW attend school and are influenced by their school environment and by school practices. Schools also provide a near-universal platform on which to build improvements in the health and wellbeing of young people. For young people without supportive families, schools can sometimes be the first or only place where they can seek and receive the help they need.' From Executive Summary. The full report, summary report and relevant media release may be downloaded from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People publications page (7 November 2014).