Brisbane researchers are urging key decision-makers to help close the educational gap and to better Australia’s treatment of children and young people experiencing disadvantage.
The UQ study, named the COVID Project, aims to consult with government stakeholders to assist families with financial disadvantages caused by COVID-19 to ensure students at risk of falling behind receive extra support.
UQ’s Institute for Social Sciences Research director Professor Mark Western says that more needs to be done to invest in the future of Australia’s children and that we must pandemic-proof our education system so more children don’t fall behind.
“But compared to other countries, Australia lacks the same evidence-based support services, leaving us exposed to widening the educational divide. More needs to be done to invest in the future of Australia’s children and young people by deploying evidence-based programs that address four priority areas for action," Professor Western said.