The case for inclusive learning systems: building more inclusive learning systems in Australia

In recent decades, educators in Australian schools and not-for-profit organisations have shown great creativity in keeping young people connected to learning. What is new is that particularly over the past two decades, governments at state and federal level have increasingly had a strategic focus on what works at a systemic level for keeping young people connected to learning. It is now possible to recognise that a growing number of states have been able to create alternative models of supporting practice on the ground, tailored to their own constituency and conditions. In a fast-moving field of activity, this report provides a current, national and systemic overview of just some of these developments in Australian education.

This report argues the case for flexible and inclusive learning systems, accessible to all young Australians. It begins by confronting the picture created by the current statistics, exploring why change is important. Examining where sound educational practices are already being employed - practices that demonstrably prevent disengagement and improve young people's outcomes - the report reveals promising areas in policy and practice and the attributes of inclusive learning systems. These attributes have been re-framed as a series of design principles, forming a guide to the acknowledged progress across the country as well as a framework to guide future action.

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