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
The expanded role of the community mental health nurse: perspectives of health care professionals, consumers and carers. This study will examine the expanded practice role of community mental health nurses in metropolitan, rural and remote community environments from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The aims are to gain an understanding of current and potential roles of community mental health nurses, to develop, implement and evaluate an educational program that addresses identified k ....The expanded role of the community mental health nurse: perspectives of health care professionals, consumers and carers. This study will examine the expanded practice role of community mental health nurses in metropolitan, rural and remote community environments from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The aims are to gain an understanding of current and potential roles of community mental health nurses, to develop, implement and evaluate an educational program that addresses identified knowledge deficits; and develop best practice guidelines that define the scope and boundaries of their role. The study, which emphasises the specific needs of community mental health nurses employed in different geographical environments, will contribute to ensuring a high standard of care for people experiencing a mental illness.Read moreRead less
The influence of evidence-based decisions by collaborative teacher teams on student achievement. National testing and concerns about literacy and numeracy skills as enabling competencies for learning have had a central focus for decades. Recent studies by Griffin and Care have established large gains in student reading comprehension in an uncontrolled study of years 3 to 6 in primary schools. This study seeks to determine if the process can be manipulated, scaled up and applied in a sustainable ....The influence of evidence-based decisions by collaborative teacher teams on student achievement. National testing and concerns about literacy and numeracy skills as enabling competencies for learning have had a central focus for decades. Recent studies by Griffin and Care have established large gains in student reading comprehension in an uncontrolled study of years 3 to 6 in primary schools. This study seeks to determine if the process can be manipulated, scaled up and applied in a sustainable manner across a larger number of year levels, systems of education, and subject areas.Read moreRead less
Profiling developmental standards of learning for students with intellectual disabilities. This project addresses an area of educational assessment that has been traditionally neglected as 'too hard'. It offers hope to students with intellectual disabilities. If developmental progress can be mapped and identified in competency terms and linked to successful teaching and learning strategies, the students can be expected to make more rapid progress towards achieving their potential. Teachers in ma ....Profiling developmental standards of learning for students with intellectual disabilities. This project addresses an area of educational assessment that has been traditionally neglected as 'too hard'. It offers hope to students with intellectual disabilities. If developmental progress can be mapped and identified in competency terms and linked to successful teaching and learning strategies, the students can be expected to make more rapid progress towards achieving their potential. Teachers in mainstream schools can also expect to be helped in recognising development and given advice for intervention. The materials will be made available world wide to help all students in this challenging area.Read moreRead less