Research

ACER is a partner in Schools First, a national initiative that aims to build stronger partnerships between schools and their local communities. This awards program rewards excellence in existing school-community partnerships and encourages excellence in new partnerships.

The primary objective of Schools First is to improve student outcomes by recognising and strengthening the partnerships that already exist between schools and their communities, and by encouraging new relationships and initiatives. Schools First offers regional, state and national awards with a prize pool of more than $5 million each year for three years. Any school in Australia can apply for either an Impact or Seed Funding Award.

The Schools First Awards have been developed by ACER, the Foundation for Young Australians and the National Australia Bank.

ACER conducted the original research that underpins the Schools First program, developed the criteria for the awards, trains the judges to ensure consistency in the assessment of schools’ applications, assesses all applications, and provides customised feedback to each school that has submitted an application. These customised reports incorporate feedback from the assessors and are intended to help schools identify what they are doing well and what they might do to further develop their community partnerships.