School non-attendance in students with intellectual disability. This project aims to develop a better understanding of school non-attendance among children and adolescents with intellectual disability. School non-attendance is a major societal problem – school outcomes are affected by high rates of school non-attendance – and a current national and international priority. In particular, school non-attendance in students with intellectual disability is a common but poorly understood problem. This ....School non-attendance in students with intellectual disability. This project aims to develop a better understanding of school non-attendance among children and adolescents with intellectual disability. School non-attendance is a major societal problem – school outcomes are affected by high rates of school non-attendance – and a current national and international priority. In particular, school non-attendance in students with intellectual disability is a common but poorly understood problem. This project aims to understand the types and rates of school non-attendance problems in students with intellectual disability and the factors that influence non-attendance. Improved understanding of the pathways to non-attendance would facilitate the development of specific interventions to provide much-needed improvements in attendance in this disadvantaged group.Read moreRead less
Engaging adolescents in schooling: A longitudinal study of student use of electronic self-assessment tools within advocacy models of student support. This research investigates the effectiveness of a program of student support directed to reducing adolescent disengagement from learning and early school leaving. There are potentially significant economic and social benefits to the broader Australian community, particularly in country areas and low socio-economic urban areas. Completing school pro ....Engaging adolescents in schooling: A longitudinal study of student use of electronic self-assessment tools within advocacy models of student support. This research investigates the effectiveness of a program of student support directed to reducing adolescent disengagement from learning and early school leaving. There are potentially significant economic and social benefits to the broader Australian community, particularly in country areas and low socio-economic urban areas. Completing school provides young people with a broader range of options for their economic future, promotes social inclusion, and provides greater protection against negative consequences of unemployment, such as isolation, depression, and substance abuse. Enjoyment of schooling increases the ability of young people to develop to their full potential, and lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. Read moreRead less
Neurodevelopmental disorders and loneliness: School predictors & outcomes. This project aims to establish trajectories of loneliness across the 10-18 year developmental period in adolescents with neuro-developmental disorders (NDDs). This is significant because adolescence is the peak period for loneliness and the social communication difficulties experienced by adolescents with NDDs place them at greater risk of loneliness. Lower levels of school attendance, connectedness and mental well-being, ....Neurodevelopmental disorders and loneliness: School predictors & outcomes. This project aims to establish trajectories of loneliness across the 10-18 year developmental period in adolescents with neuro-developmental disorders (NDDs). This is significant because adolescence is the peak period for loneliness and the social communication difficulties experienced by adolescents with NDDs place them at greater risk of loneliness. Lower levels of school attendance, connectedness and mental well-being, and higher rates of disruptive behaviour, expulsion, drop-out, depression, social withdrawal, and suicide ideation are strongly linked to loneliness. Therefore predicting critical times in trajectories will enhance emotional, behavioural and school related outcomes and optimise economic, societal and quality of life benefits.Read moreRead less
Changing the way that Australians enter the workforce: part-time working careers of young full-time school and tertiary students. As student-working is now the way in which most Australians enter the workforce it is essential to have a greater understanding of the phenomenon and assimilate it into the way that we think about jobs, careers and training. New careers theory of international significance will be developed from the findings. Moreover, as most student jobs are in the service sector, s ....Changing the way that Australians enter the workforce: part-time working careers of young full-time school and tertiary students. As student-working is now the way in which most Australians enter the workforce it is essential to have a greater understanding of the phenomenon and assimilate it into the way that we think about jobs, careers and training. New careers theory of international significance will be developed from the findings. Moreover, as most student jobs are in the service sector, student working has the potential to facilitate Australia's move to a more diverse economy and to develop a wider range of work-related skills. The project thus cuts across disciplinary boundaries to assist in strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric. Read moreRead less
Assessing the effectiveness of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs in Australian communities. The focus of this study is optimising early learning and social experiences and establishing positive life trajectories for Australia's children. This addresses the National Research Priority, A healthy start to life, and aligns with the National Productivity Agenda. The study provides evidence about the effectiveness of ECEC programs in diverse Australian communities and examines the con ....Assessing the effectiveness of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs in Australian communities. The focus of this study is optimising early learning and social experiences and establishing positive life trajectories for Australia's children. This addresses the National Research Priority, A healthy start to life, and aligns with the National Productivity Agenda. The study provides evidence about the effectiveness of ECEC programs in diverse Australian communities and examines the contribution of different ECEC provision to children's attainments at school entry through to the first national testing at age 8. Measured outcomes address the COAG productivity agenda to include health, social inclusion and education. Findings will inform theory internationally and policy, investment and ECEC practices in AustraliaRead moreRead less