Title: Investigating the Impact of Private and Selective Schooling on Academic Performance in Australia

Assessment 2 Template

Title: Investigating the Impact of Private and Selective Schooling on Academic Performance in Australia

Mandatory Readings to be used throughout report:

Connell, R. (2013). Why do market reforms persistently increase inequality? Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 34(2), 279-285.

Kenway, J. (2013). Challenging inequality in Australian schools: Gonski and beyond. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 34(2), 286-308.

Connell, R. (2013). The Neoliberal Cascade and Education: An Essay on the Market Agenda and Its Consequences. Critical Studies in Education, 54(2), 99-112.

Down, B. (2017). Critically reflective practice: What is it and why is it needed now? In B. Gobby & R. Walker. (eds). Powers of curriculum: Sociological perspectives on education (pp. 118-141). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 5: SET TEXT)

Savage, G. (2017). Neoliberalism, education and curriculum. In B. Gobby & R. Walker (eds). Powers of curriculum: Sociological perspectives on education (pp. 142-165). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 6: SET TEXT)

Walker, R. & Gobby, B. (2017). Testing times for assessment and pedagogy. In B. Gobby & R. Walker (eds). Powers of curriculum: Sociological perspectives on education (pp. 322-349). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapter 13: SET TEXT)

Howell, A. (2016). Exploring children's lived experiences of NAPLAN. In B. Lingard, G. Thompson, & S. Sellar. (2016). National testing in Schools: An Australian Assessment. (pp. 164-180). Oxon: Routledge.

Di Gregorio, E., & Savage, G. Global School Funding Debates and Reforms. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Retrieved 1 Oct. 2021, from https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-5Fitzgerald, S., Stacey, M., McGrath-Champ, S., Parding, K., & Rainnie, A. (2017). Devolution, market dynamics and the Independent Public School initiative in Western Australia: 'winning back' what has been lost? Journal of education policy, Online First, 1-20.

Vincent, C. & Maxwell, C. (2016) Parenting priorities and pressures: furthering understanding of concerted cultivation. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 37(2), 269-281.

Research Question: Is there a clear link between private or selective schooling and improved academic results, or are there other factors at play?

Introduction (Approx. 200 words):

Begin by introducing the research question and its significance in the context of Australian education. Provide an overview of the assessment task, including the objective of investigating the impact of private and selective schooling on academic performance. Mention the legislative, administrative, and organisational requirements (Standard 7.2) guiding the investigation and the importance of engaging with professional teaching networks and broader communities (Standard 7.4). Briefly outline the structure of the report and introduce findings from this website https://www.myschool.edu.au/.

Literature Review (Approx. 600 words):

Discuss the relevant literature related to education policies and programs in Australia, focusing on the readings provided. Summarise key points from Connell (2013), Kenway (2013), Down (2017), Savage (2017), Walker & Gobby (2017), Howell (2016), Di Gregorio & Savage (2021), Fitzgerald et al. (2017), and Vincent & Maxwell (2016). Analyse how changes in the way schools are run, like the Independent vs Public Schools, affect education and make it harder for some students to do well in school. Use this website for more information https://www.myschool.edu.au/.

Methodology (Approx. 150 words):

Explain the methodology used for the investigation, detailing how data from the My School website https://www.myschool.edu.au/ and other sources were gathered and analyse. Discuss any limitations or biases that may affect the schooling experience.

Findings (Approx. 500 words):

Present the findings of your research, focusing on the relationship between private or selective schooling and academic performance. Utilise data from the My School website https://www.myschool.edu.au/and relevant research studies to explore whether there is a clear link between school type and academic results. Consider other factors that may influence academic performance, such as socioeconomic status, parental involvement, and teaching quality.

Discussion (Approx. 400 words):

Interpret your findings within the broader context of Australian education policies and programs. Reflect on the implications of the results for addressing educational inequality and improving student outcomes. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with private or selective schooling and improved academic results compared to public schools.

Conclusion (Approx. 150 words):

Summarise the main findings of the research and reiterate the question. Offer insights into the complexities of the relationship between private or selective schooling and academic performance, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches to address educational inequality. Highlight the importance of complying with legislative requirements and engaging with professional teaching networks to foster positive educational outcomes in Australian society referring to standards 7.2 and 7.4.

References:

Include a list of all sources cited in the report, formatted in APA 7th edition. Ensure in text citation is also complete.