Martin Betts

The complexity of Australian schooling reform means that policy design and delivery processes can sometimes appear as a “black box”, understood by few, except those in the heart of processes. In this new open-access paper, David de Carvalho and I use the theory of “hybrid governance” to examine NAPLAN's design and delivery, shedding light on how and why its governance architecture operates the way it does, and the benefits and risks of it. This article will be especially useful for system leaders seeking to navigate the complexity of Australia’s national policy architecture and how the promise of collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors translates into practical action. Stephen Gniel Jenny Donovan Edmund Misson GAICD Jason Clare MP https://lnkd.in/gSTSmSWx

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The latest ACODE Australasia Whitepaper has been published, examining perspectives and readiness when it comes to AI and data governance in Australasian higher education institutions. Thanks to Ratna Malar Selvaratnam EdD SFHEA for your leadership on this one and to all who contributed. Benchmarking is important generally, but this area is particularly dynamic. It will be so interesting to reflect back in years to come! #leadership #benchmarking #datagovernance #genAI #highereducation #ACODE

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The University Advisory Group and research on the NZ Performance-Based Funding System: The Government has appointed a University Advisory Group (UAG) to advise the Ministry of Education on the challenges and opportunities in the university system, informed by engagement with the sector. Included in the “Topics of focus” are:   (i) Funding policy settings including funding mechanisms, incentives, along with the role of international education, and allocation strategies for research and teaching (in particular the Performance-Based Research Fund) – with a focus on the university sector but recognising relevance to the wider higher education sector; and (ii) Systems for assessing the quality and outcomes of teaching, research (including the PBRF), and broader engagement. The NZ PBRF system was introduced in the early 2000s as part of a redesign of how NZ Governments allocated funds to universities. The NZ PBRF system is just one of many performance-based schemes implemented in a range of countries during the last four decades. The NZ system had several purposes. The major focus was to increase the quality of research at NZ universities, but also to support teaching and learning, assist universities to improve their global rankings, and to provide robust public information about research performance. Its main funding feature is that part of each university’s funding is based on a research assessment process. New Zealand Economic Papers has recently published a paper prepared by John Creedy and I that draws together insights from our recently completed research programme and series of published research papers evaluating the impact of the NZ PBRF system. This research programme evaluated how the research performance of universities and disciplines have changed since introducing the scheme, how the changes relate to the incentives created by the scheme, the design features of the scheme, how these can be improved and simplified. The portfolio of papers also places this research in an international context. If you are interested in the work of the UAG and in particular whether performance-based funding systems have a role to play in the future, if you want to know the history and performance of the current PBRF scheme, and ideas about how it could be improved, you may like to read our “stock-take” article in New Zealand Economic Papers: https://lnkd.in/gMD8CN-y The UAG terms of reference are available from here: https://lnkd.in/gmibjaVp

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UUK higher education blueprint for reform. Just released. Several themes worth noting in the Australian HE policy context: * Expanding opportunity * Collaboration across the tertiary sector * World-leading research and innovation * Enhanced regulation * Financial sustainability * Evidence-based impact Universities UK #UnisAccord #HigherEducation #TertiaryEducation #PolicyReform

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🔊 NEW REPORT from The Productivity Institute🔊 The role of intermediate Research, Development and Innovation institutes in building regional and sectoral innovation capabilities Eoin O'Sullivan, Richard Jones, Guendalina Anzolin "In this paper, we consider international examples of Research, Development and Innovation institutes from the UK’s close competitors such as US, Germany and Japan, and analyse their various missions and activities in support of national and regional capabilities. This reveals a wide variety of activities and services for the entire spectrum of actors in the ecosystem. These go well beyond the function of carrying out applied R&D at intermediate technology readiness levels." Check out the report in the Matrix Library! 👇 https://lnkd.in/dYxffDwt

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In negotiating with both sides of politics on the future settings for this critically important sector, we need to ensure international education is recognised for its important role in our economy, our soft diplomacy and the experience of our students. #ITEC24Conference Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia Universities Australia

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To work with US on climate, focus on national security and economic ‘value propositions’ https://lnkd.in/gYfzmxhH Australia must emphasise the value propositions for US investments in a climate-resilient Indo-Pacific region are based in US national security and economic interests

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🌟 The Power of Partnerships: Transforming Education Through Community-Led Widening Participation 🌟 In the evolving landscape of education, partnerships are the cornerstone of meaningful and sustainable change. The The Eastern Australian Regional University Centre Partnership (EARUCP) exemplifies how collaboration can drive transformational outcomes. 🚀 Community-Led Widening Participation: When communities lead the charge in widening participation, the impact is profound. By placing the voices and experiences of those directly affected at the center, we ensure that programs are not only inclusive but also deeply resonant. This community-first approach fosters trust, relevance, and long-term engagement, breaking down barriers to education and creating pathways for underrepresented groups. 🤝 Consortia-Led Models: In a consortia-led model, diverse institutions come together to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their impact. This collective approach allows us to address complex challenges that no single entity could tackle alone. Through shared goals and joint initiatives, consortia-led models promote innovation and scalability. 🎨 Community Co-Design: True impact emerges when we co-design programs with the communities . By involving community members in the design and implementation process, we create initiatives that are culturally sensitive, locally relevant, and tailored to meet specific needs. This collaborative approach empowers communities and ensures that the solutions we develop are both effective and sustainable. The EARUCP stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, guided by the principles of partnership, co-design, and community leadership. As we continue to innovate and expand these efforts, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential of every student, regardless of their background. Let's keep building bridges and widening the path to success, one partnership at a time. 💪 Powerful presentation at SPERA Australia by Bethany Ross Erin Wrafter Dr Kylie Austin Chris Ronan Amy Grady Jessica Hall Country Universities Centre University of Technology Sydney UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion #EducationForAll #CommunityEngagement #WideningParticipation #Partnerships #RPPP #EquityInEducation #CoDesign #ImpactfulChange

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A good read this weekend on the unique governance challenges facing school boards/councils. Great insights from Karen Spiller OAM CF and thanks to Australian Institute of Company Directors for creating content and continuing education for directors serving on school governance groups. https://lnkd.in/g8gYr7kw #weekendreading #governancematters #education #alwayslearning

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A good summary of The Heritage Foundations ideals for education in Project 2025. https://lnkd.in/gpD_ug_5

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The Australian tertiary education landscape is evolving rapidly. Download our free white paper to explore the critical challenges and exciting opportunities facing universities today. Discover how technology is transforming education and driving success. The role of technology in empowering institutions and students Don't miss out! Download your copy now: https://lnkd.in/dpJC85a7 #TertiaryEducation #Australia #Ellucian #FutureofEducation

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The Australian Academy of the Humanities' response to the ATEC Discussion Paper makes the following key points. We need an ATEC that will: 1. Prioritise national strategy (which the sector is lacking) over administration (which belongs in the Department of Education); avoid overloading the Commission with administrative functions which would limit its capacity to provide strategic advice into the future. 2. Ensure Commissioners have current, historical and relevant knowledge of the higher education system. 3. Define education as more than ‘useful’ or a prerequisite for occupations, recognising that learning is good in its own right — for the individual and society. 4. Consult educators and researchers (not just university executives) to ensure effective decision-making. 5. Undertake whole-of-sector planning, auditing and research. 6. Collaborate with professional bodies to obtain expert advice that’s independent of universities. 7. Utilise Australia’s Learned Academies’ disciplinary expertise to help steward the nation’s sovereign intellectual capabilities. Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) #higheredaccord #humanities Jason Clare MP

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Colleagues closing soon Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management special issue: The future of Australian higher education and the Australian Universities Accord This special issue of the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management seeks contributions that will inform the future of Australian higher education and the implementation of the Australian Universities Accord (the 'Accord'). https://lnkd.in/gVeyUuZW #universitiesaccord #equity #educationequity #australianuniversities #educationadministration #educationpolicy

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The Australian Citizen Science Association are writing a discussion paper which aims to identify and strengthen linkages between citizen science and university research to benefit society. In particular, we want to explore how to improve citizen science outcomes and applications, by supporting connections between citizen science programs and early-to-mid-career researchers in Australia. We are interested in hearing from everyone - including people who have been involved in citizen science, professional researchers and the general public. As well as collecting data from the public, we are seeking to co-create the discussion paper with multiple stakeholders, and involvement and co-authorship is open to anyone who is able to volunteer their time. Your responses to this form will help shape the second stage of the discussion paper: https://lnkd.in/gTckqR3u #emcr #citizenscience

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Science for All are working with the Australian Citizen Science Association to write a discussion paper which aims to explore how to improve citizen science and make it more inclusive and accessible - Anyone can get involved - learn more here and complete the survey: https://lnkd.in/g8s3VfW4 #citizenscience

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Good Governance in HE - what is it? why does it matter? can we do better? 👉 Next week, I'll explore why good governance really matters as we navigate tomorrow, anticipate challenges and embrace change. 👉 Looking forward to hearing from experts Mark Rigotti, Peggy O'Neal AO - Chancellor RMIT University and The Hon John Brumby AO - Chancellor La Trobe University. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/g_GdFyK4 #HigherEducation #TertiaryEducation #Governance

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A new report published by The Association of Commonwealth Universities highlights five critical thematic challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of global #HigherEducation. It recommends key areas where #Commonwealth governments and #universities can work together to make a big impact. We look forward to introducing the report and recommendations at the upcoming #CHOGM2024 in Samoa and we will work with #ACUmembers to turn them into tangible actions that will drive positive change in their institutions, countries, and the broader Commonwealth community. Read the Report: https://lnkd.in/etWBGZCV

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#Climatechange is the most significant challenge of our time and #education is key to shaping our sustainable futures. We are calling for our political leaders to generate an inclusive and well-informed Climate Change Education Strategy for Australia. And we are supporting them to get it right by collating the thoughts and ideas from educators (early learning, primary, secondary, tertiary, technical, and community - including parents) from across Australia. Deakin’s Centre for Regenerating Futures has been working with a diverse range of education stakeholders throughout the year to host the Australian Climate Change Education Summit and lead the development of the Action Plan. The Action Plan clarifies our collective thoughts and actions about what is currently happening in climate change education, what we need to happen, and what we need to make that happen. This data was collected via a national survey. The Action Plan is drafted and will be collectively refined over the next two months and will be shared with our political leaders at the Summit. Join us online for the Australian Climate Change Education Summit - where we showcase the Action Plan and directly engage Government. Date: Friday 18th October 2024 Time: 11am to 4pm ADST Register Here: https://lnkd.in/g5tzw988 The Summit and Action Plan will bring together voices from multiple education stakeholders including young people, teachers and educators, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and activists, to set the climate change education strategy for Australia. Join us at the Summit to help influence the future of climate change education across Australia. #ClimateAction #EducationForChange #ClimateChangeEducationSummit2024 #RegenerativeFutures #climatechange #EnvironmentalEducation

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Excellent submission from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) on how research funding can drive gender equity! Funders have a lot of power in shaping what sort of research gets funded and who does that research. It's time for funders to be not only more gender-aware but to use their funding levers to advance equity.

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