Staying on at school: Improving student retention in Australia

The Queensland Department of Education and the Arts, with funding from the National Fund for Educational Research, commissioned research into the factors that influence student retention and the policy implications. The research project included a major literature review, survey of 24 schools, interviews with policy staff in each jurisdiction, and sophisticated statistical analysis. The report contains models of student retention to measure the impact of factors shaping student retention and differences across States and Territories, and discussion of the policy implications and policy options.

The research was conducted by Stephen Lamb, Anne Walstab and Richard Teese of the Centre for Post-compulsory Education and Lifelong Learning, The University of Melbourne, in conjunction with Margaret Vickers of the University of Western Sydney and Russ Rumberger of the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Year Published: 2004

Executive Summary new window 185k
Main Report new window 950k

Alternatively, download the main report in parts:

Introduction and Part A new window 477k
Part B new window 255k
Part C new window 432k
Part D new window 239k

Paper copies of the main report can be obtained by sending a cheque for $20 to the Executive Services Officer, Education Futures, Department of Education and the Arts, PO Box 33, BRISBANE ALBERT ST Q 4002

Paper copies of the summary report can be requested by emailing StrategicPolicy@qed.qld.gov.au

The Department of Education and the Arts also held a public forum based on this research. Several researchers presented the following PowerPoint presentations at the forum:

Key Findings from the Model of Student Retention at the Student Level – Associate Professor Steve Lamb, University of Melbourne.
The Factors influencing Student Retention from an International Perspective – Professor Russ Rumburger, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Findings on School Practices – Anne Walstab, University of Melbourne.
Findings on System Practices – Professor Margaret Vickers, University of Western Sydney.
Policy Implications Contained in the Report – Professor Richard Teese, University of Melbourne.

To obtain a copy of one or more of these presentations by email please contact StrategicPolicy@qed.qld.gov.au

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