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• Teaching

Our research into teaching focuses on the quality of the teacher workforce, teacher training and ways to improve student outcomes through better teaching methods.

Phonics check is crucial
Jennifer Buckingham OAMDecember 1, 2017IDEAS@THECENTRE

  A key policy proposal of the CIS’s FIVEfromFIVE literacy project is a Year 1...

Education in a changing world
Blaise JosephNovember 17, 2017Ideas@TheCentre

No one denies technology is changing the world. NSW government’s ‘Education for a Changing World...

The writing is on the wall for … writing itself
Steven SchwartzNovember 17, 2017AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, was a thoroughly loathsome man. He conquered the Jews, ransacked their...

The kids aren’t alright
Blaise JosephNovember 3, 2017The Spectator: Flat White

It’s always amusing when you provide extensive evidence of X, then some academics respond only...

Indigenous students’ hard-won literacy progress
Jennifer Buckingham OAMNovember 3, 2017Ideas@TheCentre

Improving the persistently very low literacy level of Indigenous children in remote areas of the...

Year 1 Phonics Check ensures firm foundations
Jennifer Buckingham OAMOctober 30, 2017Australian Financial Review

There has been considerable controversy around the proposed introduction of screening checks to identify at...

Knowledge is power: What do teachers believe about learning?
Trisha JhaOctober 30, 2025AP92

Executive Summary This report presents findings from literature about what teachers believe about how students...

Sex and maths success: myths and interventions
David C. GearyJuly 17, 2025AP83

Executive summary Mathematical competencies at the completion of secondary school influence later educational and occupational...

Early Numbers, Big Ideas. Fostering Number Sense in Young Children
Nancy C. Jordan, Nancy DysonJuly 10, 2025AP82

Introduction Numbers are an integral part of our daily lives, both inside and outside of...

Fractions Minus the Friction. A guide to four teaching practices
Leanne R. Ketterlin-Geller, Allison McClure, Cassandra HatfieldDecember 12, 2024AP78

Introduction Understanding fractions has a significant impact on both individuals and society. Fractions are an...

Using Curriculum-Based Measurement for Primary School Maths Screening
Erica S. Lembke, Emily L. Singell, Gabriella Lyth Donofrio, Megyn MartinAugust 15, 2024AP75
Universal screening is an essential component of a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) for maths and...
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Learning Lessons. The future of small-group tutoring
Trisha JhaJuly 25, 2024AP73
Student data from national and international testing shows a large minority of students are not...
After the tsunami, a spectre of bird flu
Miranda DarlingApril 28, 2005The Canberra Times

The devastation caused by the earthquakes in Asia sets up an ominous foreground for the...

High price for a bruised ego
Sue WindybankApril 26, 2005The Australian Financial Review

For the second time in little more than a year the Papua New Guinean Prime...

Excessive bureaucracy stifles uni flexibility
April 18, 2005The Australian Financial Review

Brendan Nelson isn't pleased that, apparently, someone was admitted to a teaching course despite very...

How increased self reliance will result in a lower burden
Peter SaundersApril 8, 2005The Canberra Times

Tax and welfare reform are on the agenda. Given the government’s newly-won control of the...

Priced out of further education
Steven SchwartzApril 4, 2005The Age

Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson has urged Australians who want to maintain their standard of...

Leave uni governance in hands of the states
March 31, 2005The Newcastle Herald

With universities, the Commonwealth Government has itself an exceptional pay less, get more deal. While...

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Submission to Draft 2025-26 GenCost
February 2, 2026

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) appreciates the opportunity to provide a submission to the...

Submission to Senate Inquiry into Illegal Tobacco Crisis in Australia
Michael StutchburyJanuary 15, 2026
The federal government should pause increases in tobacco excise to weaken the profit of the...
Submission to DCCEEW’s Solar Sharer Offer Consultation Paper 2025-26 
November 24, 2025

What evidence should inform the SSO window (timing and duration), including factors such as wholesale...

CIS Submission to IDSP Directions Paper
November 13, 2025

Question 4: Does the IASR provide the right baseline inputs for the proposed strategic planning...

Submission to AEMC’s Treatment of policies and costs in the ISP Consultation Paper 
November 6, 2025

Question 1: What are your views on AEMO’s current approach to incorporating jurisdictional targets and...

Submission to Senate Education and Employment References Committee
Michael Wu October 22, 2025CIS

Despite good intentions, Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care system has expanded well beyond its...

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