Research
Learning Choices – A Map for the Future
Kitty te Riele 2012
The report analyses data on 400 inclusive and flexible learning programs with 33,000 young people enrolled in 1200 locations across Australia. Based on the national survey of programs undertaken by the Dusseldorp Skills Forum in 2011, the report also draws on an in-depth analysis of reports and information from 33 specific programs as well as existing research publications about enabling all young people to complete their education. The report shows that many young people around Australia are benefiting significantly from the provision of innovative and flexible learning programs. However, it also indicates that more data is needed on outcomes.
Download Learning Choices – A Map for the Future [PDF, 588 kB]
Learning Choices National Scan
Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Roger Holdwsworth 2011
Dusseldorp Skills Forum carried out an on-line survey of alternative education programs and approaches in early 2011. This report, by Roger Holdsworth from the Youth Research Centre at the University of Melbourne, summarises the responses and comments on the survey results. It also includes suggestions for Follow-Up that could be addressed through relevant case studies.
Download Learning Choices National Scan [PDF]
Schooling Challenges and Opportunities – A Report for the Review of Funding for Schooling Panel
Nous Group 2011
This report by the Nous Group was commissioned by the Federal Government for the Review of Funding for Schooling Panel. It seeks to understand what is contributing to good or bad performance by Australian schools and why. The report also offers advice on what is known to work to lift school performance.
Assessing existing funding models for schooling in Australia
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 2011
This report by Deloitte Access Economics was commissioned by the Federal Government for the Review of Funding for Schooling Panel. It is a detailed assessment of the current funding models for schooling and considers features of all state and territory and federal government funding models as they relate to both government and non-government schools
Lost talent? The occupational ambitions and attainments of young Australians
Joanna Sikora, Lawrence J Saha 2011
This study, which defines the lowering of educational or occupational ambitions by high school students as ‘lost talent’, looks at the extent to which talent loss occurs among high achieving students and the consequences of this on later occupational attainments. The results indicate that there is a moderate, although not negligible, rate of talent loss. The report also highlights the importance of young people, particularly young women, having occupational plans.
Making Schools Different – Alternative Approaches to Educating Young People
Kitty te Riele – University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
With contributions from leading academics from Canada, America, the UK, The Netherlands and Australia, this internationally-minded book helps the reader to reflect on the ways young people are taught, and presents possible alternative approaches. Global social and economic changes and technological developments are driving the need for change within education, so that we can better cater for a diversity of young people. This book offers a forward-looking overview of where we are now, and where we might want to go in the future.
Re-engaging Our Kids
KPMG 2009
This report for the Victorian Government proposes a framework to ensure all Victorian children and young people have best practice educational options available to them, regardless of where they choose to study.
The Forgotten Half
Demos Foundation 2011
This report by the UK based Demos Foundation identifies significant failings in the educational offerings to the ‘other 50 per cent’ of students who don’t go on to University.
Re-engaging Students in Education
Martin Mills & Glenda McGregor 2010
This report looks at what attracts young people to so-called ‘alternative’ schools in Queensland – what are the factors that enable these schools to support and engage young people who would otherwise remain disengaged from education? The report also examines which, if any, of these factors can be transferred to ‘mainstream’ schooling.
Download Paper (PDF 910 kb) Download (PDF 910 kb)
Alternative education sites and marginalised young people
Martin Mills & Glenda McGregor 2010
This paper reports on research conducted in alternative schools/flexible learning centres designed to support young people marginalised from mainstream schooling in Australia. Many of the young people attending these centres had left school due to difficult personal circumstances and/or significant conflicts with schooling authorities. We argue that the ways in which these schools construct their learning environments, teaching programs and pedagogical relationships are conducive to encouraging such young people to re-engage with educational processes and thus should be supported as viable alternatives within schooling sectors. Moreover, we contend that data gathered from these sites should be used to inform many of the practices within mainstream schools that currently contribute to the marginalisation of certain categories of youth.
Are Alternative Schools the Answer?
Kitty te Riele University of Technology, Sydney 2008
This article for New Transitions (a YANQ publication) examines how alternative schools that serve marginalised young people themselves can be seen as being ‘on the margins’ (of the education system). The author suggests that instead, alternative schools should be seen as offering possibilities for social and educational change.
Educational Alternatives for Marginalised Youth
Kitty te Riele University of Technology, Sydney 2007
This paper focuses on two dimensions of alternative programs: their stability (eg. in terms of funding) and their locus of change (do they aim to change the young person, or to change the way they provide education?). Using these dimensions the paper constructs a conceptual map of alternative education for marginalised youth in Australia and argues for the type of program that is most useful, not only for marginalised young people but also for suggesting possibilities for reform in mainstream education.
Creating Pathways to Success for All Students
Constancia Warren 2006
Keynote presentation at the 2006 Learning Choices Expo. A comprehensive overview of the United States education system, centring on high school reform. Focuses on the need for multiple pathways to adequately engage all students, and the practical means by which this can be achieved.
Download the Presentation (PDF 175kb)
Remarks to the Learning Choices Expo
Laudan Aron 2006
Keynote presentation at the 2006 Learning Choices Expo. Laudan Aron of the Urban Institute discusses research into alternative education in America. Drawing from this research, Aron discusses recommendations for the further integration of alternative education to the mainstream.
Download the Presentation (PDF 136kb)
What’s Different?
2006
In May 2006 the Dusseldorp Skills Forum conducted an online survey of more than 160 schools, TAFEs, community programs and initiatives providing unconventional learning options for young Australians. The respondents encompassed 90 programs and schools, catering for more than 9,000 students, from all states and territories.
What’s Mainstream? Conventional and unconventional learning in Logan
Jenni Connor 2006
What’s working and what isn’t in the world of education? Jenni Connor reports the views of dozens of students and educators in conventional and unconventional settings in Logan on the outskirts of Brisbane. An intriguing insight into what is really happening in our schools and beyond.
Good practice in learning alternatives
Roger Holdsworth – Keynote address 2006
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.
Disenchantment, Disengagement and Disappearance. Some recent statistics and a commentary on non-attendance in school
Graeme Withers – Keynote paper 2006
Graeme Withers from the Australian Centre for Educational Research examines truancy and other absences from school, the impact on learning and policy responses.
Innovative Pathways from schools? What makes the difference to retention and transition in seven NZ school programs?
New Research from NZ Council for Educational Research 2006
This study, Innovative Pathways from School, examines programmes that support “at-risk” students at low-decile secondary schools to make successful transitions from school to the workforce or further education and training. A sample of non-conventional Year 12 and 13 programmes at seven schools were looked at. All the programmes had an emphasis on providing students with qualifications, making links with local employers or tertiary providers, and assisting students to develop “work-readiness” skills and behaviours. Seven key aspects are identified.
Download the report here (PDF 2.4 MB)
An Overview of Alternative Education
Laudan Y. Aron 2006
A review of alternative education for the United States Department of Labour. This paper centres on community or district programs that focus on the re-engagement of out-of-school youth. Includes an emphasis on learning in order to successfully enter high growth occupations and careers.
Rights, Roles and Responsibilities. The right to education and the nature of obligations on Australian governments
2006
Andrea Durbach and Simon Moran of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre ask and answer the question: why do governments appear reluctant to articulate in legislation the right of students to an education which is relevant, of good quality and reflects individual needs?
Educational Alternatives for Vulnerable Youth: Student Needs, Program Types, and Research Directions
Laudan Y. Aron and Janine M. Zweig 2004
Evaluates the current role and future directions of alternative education in the United States. An especial emphasis on vulnerable youth and those not enrolled in traditional education systems. Evaluates the factors influencing ‘disconnected youth’ and the need for alternatie education in redressing the balance.
Non-traditional and Non-Systemic Educational Programs in Frankston Mornington Penninsula Schools
David Zyngier and Associate Professor Trevor Gale – Centre for Work and Learning Studies (CWALS) 2003
This report presents the findings of research, commissioned by the Frankston / Mornington Peninsula (FMP) Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN), into ‘non-systemic and non-traditional’ school based programs in the FMP area.
Learning in Alternative Settings. What makes a sustainable program?
2004
Independent consultant Peter Cole reviews alternative settings in Victoria and argues for policy change to improve their quality and sustainability.
Have we got what it takes? The skills, rewards and recognition needed for teachers, youth workers and others in learning alternatives
2004
Christine Owen of the Australian National Schools Network, brings together the Expo debates and questions.
Heading Upstream
Expo Communique 2004
Participants sum up what has been learnt and the challenges that lie ahead.
Learning Alternatives: A Last Chance or a Real Choice?
John Spierings 2003
As a society we have made a social and legally binding contract with all our young people that says they must attend institutions of learning to a specific age and they are denied the right to enter the labour market below a certain age. In return, society promises to equip them with the minimum level of education required to become independent learners and earners. What rights (if any) have young people got under such a contract? Must they accept whatever form of provision is on offer or do they have right to choice? If so, under what circumstances? If we can now have ‘special’ senior schools for gifted young people in the arts and in sports why not open access to such alternative learning environments to younger people who are in fact coping with adult responsibilities in their early teens? These questions lie at the heart of “alternative education” and recognition that broad based reform especially in the middle and senior years of schooling is necessary if a strong educational base is to be provided for all young people.
American and Canadian Learning Choices
Over the years Canadian and North American Education departments, programs and schools have developed a range of alternatives to engage their young people. From small individual programs to whole schools offering individualised, student-centered learning. This report presents information from a recent visit to our Northern neighbours, as well as contact information if you’d like to find out more.
Danish Production Schools – An Australian Perspective
Production Schools are oganisations based on the principle of providing a ‘safety net’ for students at risk of dropping out of school before reaching either a trade qualification or university education. Lin Farrington, Co-ordinator of Studentworks in Launceston presents her findings following a visit to Danish Production Schools in 2004.