Examples of recent projects:
Policy and Program Evaluation

We evaluated the appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness of the activities and performance of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE). 

A review of one of CSIRO’s education programs aimed at promoting STEM and enthusing students about STEM. 

The department was developing a national employment strategy for people with disability. The strategy aimed to encompass a range of initiatives to address the contemporary needs and pressing challenges in Australia’s disability employment system. We were contracted to:

• provide advice on the development of the proposed employment strategy
• provide advice on mapping of the current income support payment and employment assistance system
• support the department in investigating and identifying effective programs operating outside of government; and how they could complement the development of a national employment strategy
• assist with the initiation and conduct of a review of the department’s Disability Employment Services scheme
• assist with stakeholder management
• support internal staff to improve policy development skills and capability.

We provided advice to the Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) on the adequacy of quality assurance arrangements and the associated policy guidance for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities undertaken as part of higher education courses in Australian higher education. The expansion of WIL beyond fields of study with long-established approaches to the design and oversight of experiences required for entry to professions had raised concerns about the quality of the WIL experience for students and their learning outcomes. The project team also examined the adequacy of the quality assurance arrangements and the appropriateness of policy settings to support industry workplace or end-user placements (‘placements’) undertaken as part of postgraduate (higher) degrees by research (HDR).

The Department piloted a program aimed at restoring relationships and reducing the harm caused by disruptive and/or negative behaviours in schools through the application of restorative practice. The program involved training teachers and student support staff in the pilot schools and the provision of support and advice to these schools by a community service organisation experienced in restorative practice.

We undertook research to support the Higher Education Standards Panel’s consideration of the adequacy of the regulatory framework for academic credit pathways in higher education. 

An evaluation of three pilot projects aimed at maximising the learning of all students with disabilities in state government schools. These interrelated pilot projects aimed at improving opportunities for students with disabilities in Victorian government schools by building capability within schools; sharing expertise between schools; and promoting inclusive culture at a whole school level. The evaluation assessed the initiatives for appropriateness (fitness for purpose); efficiency (processes); and effectiveness (achieving the expected impact).

An investigation and assessment of the availability of income support for domestic undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students studying in Australian universities, and the outcomes of the project will inform the peak body in developing policy positions on student income support.

An evaluation of an engagement and learning support program aimed at supporting disengaged high needs learners into education/training through the provision of wrap around services, through a case management approach which facilitates access to relevant supports such as mental health services, literacy and numeracy support and financial/living support.

We hosted a series of five forums for the Department of Education and Training during 2017-18 to assist with policy development to ensure apprenticeships are able to meet the future skill needs of Australian industry. The scope of the forums includes apprenticeships in trade and non-trade occupations.