Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
About Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
This research program strengthens ACER's research into a range of education policy issues and builds its capacity to bid for, and to undertake, work in the area of program evaluation. The research program will include significant capacity to address questions around the resourcing of schools, and will enhance ACER's capacity to develop policy-oriented publications on the state of Australian education.
The creation of the Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (PAPE) unit reflects ACER’s intention to adopt a higher profile in debates about contemporary issues in education and to provide national and international leadership in policy analysis and program evaluation.
The aims of PAPE are to:
- provide education policy analysis (including economic and financial modelling) and policy advice
- conduct effective evaluations of programs in education and training.
The unit will play a major role in contributing to public policy by working closely with educational and other bodies, governments and professional associations to develop, review and advise upon policies informed by research, practical knowledge and cost effectiveness. The unit will also develop, nurture and disseminate knowledge about evaluation theory and practice.
Policy analysis
The objectives of the policy analysis work of the unit are:
- To identify key policy issues in education and evaluate the research that underpins these policies
- To identify the gaps in the research and
facilitate opportunities for ACER to conduct research to address
these gaps
- To provide analysis of policy in education and training
- To stimulate informed debate about key policy issues through published reports and articles, seminars, and other means
Program evaluation
The specific aims and objectives of the program evaluation work of the unit are:
- To improving educational programs using systematic evaluation procedures that are useful, feasible, ethical, and accurate
- To seek opportunities and respond to requests for program evaluations, especially those related to education and training.
- To provide advice and supply resources to support schools in small-scale evaluations.
Methods
To achieve its aims, the unit will undertake original research, build on existing knowledge and develop new areas of expertise within the disciplines of policy analysis and program evaluation. There will be a strong linkage between theory and practice and a commitment to sharing ideas and expertise with researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
Research Director: Adrian Beavis