Achieving an Education Revolution through New Federalism in Australia. Case Study

Securing a higher level of performance in all schools in all settings has been a major priority of governments in Australia for nearly 40 years. With the first decade of the 21st century drawing to a close, a sense of urgency has grown. The Australian federal government is seeking an education revolution through an unprecedented partnership with state governments, known as "new federalism." While the term "turn-around school" has not been adopted in Australia, policymakers at all levels are consistent in their determination to turn around low-performing schools. Thus, it is timely to review what has been accomplished to date through this new federal and state partnership; to assess the potential for significant, systematic, and sustained change in the years ahead; and to suggest implications for other countries. (Contains 1 figure, 2 tables and 2 footnotes.)