Education Equity in Australia: Opportunities, Outcomes, and Mechanisms

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

Australia has long prided itself as having an egalitarian society where everyone can have a “fair go” regardless of their social background. Yet research shows that education opportunities and outcomes are strongly patterned by social class in Australia. The Australian education system has a high level of school social segregation, and concerns are growing about inequalities in access, resourcing and outcomes. The reasons behind these trends are unclear but it is likely that the highly marketized features of the Australian educational system are partly responsible. The papers in this symposium contribute to the equity debate in Australia by examining education equity discourse, the extent of inequalities of student outcomes, and the role of school choice in mediating access.

Sub Unit

• Australian Association for Research in Education - AARE / Australian Association for Research in Education

Chair

• Laura Perry, Murdoch University

Papers

• Troubling Equity in Australian Education Policy and Research - Trevor Gale, Deakin University

• Achievement Gaps by Student and School Socioeconomic Status: A Comparison of Australia and Canada - Laura Perry, Murdoch University; Andrew McConney, Murdoch University

• Social and Symbolic Boundaries in the Transition to Secondary School - Joel Austin Windle, Monash University

Discussant

• Robert L. Lingard, University of Queensland