Researchers are urging key decision makers and sector stakeholders to adopt 16 recommendations to help close the educational divide and improve Australia’s treatment of children and young people experiencing disadvantage.
The University of Queensland and Paul Ramsay Foundation Learning through COVID-19 project has explored the impact of the national lockdown on educational disadvantage and provides a roadmap for addressing educational disadvantage in the wake of the pandemic’s disruptions.
UQ’s Institute for Social Sciences Research director Professor Mark Western said this was the first study to present evidence-based solutions to help inform policy.
“More than 60 school and community programs already exist to support children and young people experiencing disadvantage,” Professor Western said.
“But compared to other countries, Australia lacks the same evidence-based support services, leaving us exposed to widening the educational divide.
“More needs to be done to invest in the future of Australia’s children and young people by deploying evidence-based programs that address four priority areas for action.
