New research links school autonomy with stronger student achievement

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today released new research indicating that higher levels of school autonomy are associated with higher levels of student achievement

The new findings flow from research being driven by Professor Emeritus, Brian Caldwell, who is the Australian lead in an international study to track school autonomy and its impact on student achievement.

“Professor Caldwell findings supports what we have been seeing, internationally and in Australia — that higher levels of school autonomy are associated with higher levels of student achievement, providing there is a balance of autonomy and accountability,” Mr Pyne said.

“The research also indicates that the focus of autonomy should be on professional practice, with the aim of making connections between the functions associated with school autonomy and actions that are likely to have an impact on student achievement.

“The Australian Government supports stronger school autonomy and is investing $70 million through the Independent Public Schools initiative, in which all states and territories are participating.

“This initiative aims to give selected government schools more control of local decision making to help encourage stronger links between schools, parents and the local community.

“Great schools have leaders and teachers who have the independence to make decisions and deliver the education that best meet the needs of their students.

“And the research, including the new findings by Professor Caldwell, tells us this is the right approach,” Mr Pyne said.

To read the research presented by Professor Caldwell visit: http://educationaltransformations.com.au/category/downloadable-papers.