Research
FYA has a long history of producing high quality, substantive and internationally recognised research on the state of young people in Australia.
This research agenda is bolstered by the work of our Education Foundation division, which in recent years has undertaken research into the impact of disadvantage, supporting the differential learning needs of students, and the need for new partnerships beyond the classroom.
From 2009, research and evaluation will be central to everything we do
As outlined in our strategic plan, a major goal to explore and understand the wellbeing landscape of young Australians, identify the key groups, issues and areas of need, and determine opportunities for future leadership, innovation and impact. We are currently undertaking an external environmental scan to identify key gaps of knowledge in the area of wellbeing and to identify the key players and potential partners with which FYA can deliver maximum impact.
We will also be joining and/or leading significant consortia to share knowledge about the most effective ways to the wellbeing of young Australians. We will form powerful partnerships that combine the efforts of all sectors committed to young people’s wellbeing.
FYA’s current research is focused on three key areas: reforming education systems, improving young people’s education and wellbeing, and evaluating the impact of our work.
The scope and impact of our research currently includes: young people’s experience of racism; young people’s civic and political participation, young people’s participation in education, training and employment; and the role of business and philanthropy in building the capacity of schools.
Recent and upcoming research projects
In 2008, Senior Research Manager Rosalyn Black authored Beyond the Classroom: Building new school networks, which draws on our research to argue that the barriers to educational success for all young Australians will only be met through a collective response to young people’s educational needs. A sample chapter of the book can be read here, or click here to download an order form.
FYA also produces the annual How Young People Are Faring report, a highly-regarded independent annual publication which assesses the education, wellbeing, training and work circumstances of young Australians. The 2008 report was accompanied by a series of briefings conducted around the country for Ministers, policy advisors, senior government officials and agencies working in the field of education, training and youth employment. We launched the the most recent HYPAF report in October 2009, which can be read here.
In July 2009 we launched a bold new educational reform proposal for Australia. Written by FYA Thought Leadership Fellow, Professor Jack Keating, A New Federalism in Australian education: A proposal for a national reform agenda argues that there is a need for an alternative discourse about educational inequity across Australia, including a new federalist approach to schooling. To read press responses to the launch of the report, please visit our Media Centre.
Going forward FYA will continue to disseminate the findings of our research to a national audience through policy briefings, conference presentations, publications and articles.
Contact FYA Research at lucas.walsh@fya.org.au
