Early years

Research shows that when children thrive in their early years, they have a strong foundation for lifelong learning, health, development and wellbeing. New data from the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) show there has been an overall increase in the percentage of children developmentally on track on 5 AEDC domains since the baseline was established in 2009. 

It has been well established that student absenteeism has a negative impact on learning outcomes and other students in the class. But what about on other members of the school community, namely teaching staff? New research explores the link between student absenteeism and teacher job satisfaction. 

The winners of the Teacher Awards 2024 have been announced, and we’ve been sharing more details of the outstanding practice recognised. Today we catch up with Kristie Shulz and Elizabeth Willman, from Queensland’s Parklands Christian College – winners of the Excellence in Curriculum Design and Implementation award.

Australia's latest Closing the Gap Report communicates progress towards government targets to achieve equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in areas like education, health and employment. In today’s infographic, we share some of the education results and how they compare to the baseline year data.

A new paper by ACER’s Greta Rollo and Dr Kellie Picker unpacks the science of reading. In a 3-part series for Teacher, they explain each of the components that make up the science of reading, and share implications for teaching. This final article explores the unconstrained skills.

A new paper by ACER’s Greta Rollo and Dr Kellie Picker unpacks the science of reading. In a 3-part series for Teacher, they explain each of the components that make up the science of reading, and share implications for teaching. This second article delves into constrained skills.

A new paper by ACER’s Greta Rollo and Dr Kellie Picker unpacks the science of reading. In a 3-part series for Teacher, they explain each of the components that make up the science of reading, and share implications for teaching. This first article provides an overview of all 6 components.

The award-winning children’s TV series Little J & Big Cuz is returning with a brand-new season on 8 July. Now in its fourth season, the animated show is translated into 17 Australian First Nations languages and supports First Nations children and their families with the transition from home to school.

Australian research involving 321 educators who directly work with children in centre-based early childhood services involved completion of a time use diary over 10 working days. From the data, the research team created an ‘average working day’, which we share in today’s infographic.

In this edition of Researching education: 5 further readings, we’re sharing 5 pieces of content on the topic of assessment from researchers in Australia and from overseas. You can read research into the state of assessment literacy of teachers across the globe, and a paper on early years educators’ use of phonological awareness assessment practices.