Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)

Introduction

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to creating and promoting research-based knowledge, products, and services that can be used to improve learning across the lifespan. Established in 1930, ACER has grown to become one of the world's leading educational research bodies, contributing to policy and practice both in Australia and internationally.

With over 400 staff members, ACER conducts research and provides expertise on a wide range of educational issues, from early childhood education through to adult learning and workplace assessment. The organization's work informs educational policy, improves teaching practices, and develops assessment tools that are used around the globe.

History and Evolution

ACER was founded in 1930 by a group of prominent Australian educators and philanthropists who recognized the need for an independent body to conduct educational research. The organization's early work focused on developing standardized tests and conducting surveys of educational achievement across Australia.

Throughout its history, ACER has adapted to the changing educational landscape. In the post-World War II period, the organization expanded its focus to include curriculum development and educational planning. The 1960s and 1970s saw ACER become increasingly involved in international educational research, particularly in developing countries.

In recent decades, ACER has embraced technological advances to enhance its research capabilities and develop new assessment tools. Today, the organization is at the forefront of educational measurement and assessment, playing a key role in major international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Mission and Purpose

ACER's mission is to contribute to better educational outcomes for all learners through evidence-based research and the development of practical tools and resources. The organization is guided by several key principles:

• Basing all work on rigorous research and evidence
• Maintaining independence and objectivity
• Ensuring the highest standards of quality and credibility
• Collaborating with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
• Disseminating findings widely to maximize impact

ACER's purpose is to inform educational debate and improve educational outcomes through the provision of evidence and expertise. The organization achieves this by conducting research, developing assessments, providing professional development, and publishing resources for educators and policymakers.

Research Areas

ACER's research spans the full spectrum of education, from early childhood through to adult and workplace learning. Key research areas include:

Assessment and Measurement

ACER is internationally renowned for its work in educational assessment. The organization develops standardized tests, assessment frameworks, and measurement tools that are used by education systems worldwide. This research focuses on improving the validity, reliability, and fairness of educational assessments.

Early Childhood Education

Research in early childhood education examines how young children learn and develop, and how early childhood services can best support their growth. This work informs policy and practice in early learning settings and supports the transition to formal schooling.

School Education

ACER's research in school education covers curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and school improvement. This includes studies on effective teaching practices, student engagement, school leadership, and educational equity.

Higher Education

Research in higher education focuses on quality teaching and learning in universities, student success, graduate outcomes, and the changing landscape of tertiary education. ACER also conducts research on academic integrity and assessment in higher education.

Vocational Education and Training

This research area explores vocational learning, apprenticeships, and workplace training. ACER develops tools for assessing vocational competencies and researches pathways between vocational and higher education.

Adult Learning and Literacy

ACER's work in adult learning and literacy addresses the skills and competencies adults need for work, further education, and daily life. This includes research on the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

Indigenous Education

Research on Indigenous education focuses on improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This includes culturally relevant pedagogies, community engagement, and addressing educational disadvantage.

Education Policy and System Reform

ACER conducts research on education systems and policies, providing evidence to inform decision-making. This work includes evaluations of education initiatives, international comparisons, and research on funding and governance in education.

Major Contributions and Impact

Over its nine-decade history, ACER has made significant contributions to educational research, policy, and practice. Some of its most notable contributions include:

• Developing Australia's first standardized tests in the 1930s, which provided objective measures of student achievement and educational progress.
• Pioneering research on educational disadvantage and inequality, particularly regarding rural and remote education, Indigenous education, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Leading Australia's participation in international assessments including PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study), and PIAAC.
• Developing innovative assessment tools such as the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), used in schools across Australia and internationally to measure student growth over time.
• Conducting longitudinal studies that track student progress over time, providing valuable insights into educational trajectories and the factors that influence them.
• Developing the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), which provides a consistent national approach to identifying and describing adult language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
• Creating resources for teachers including professional learning materials, assessment tools, and classroom resources that translate research into practical strategies.
• Providing expertise to governments and educational institutions on assessment, curriculum, and educational reform.
• Hosting the annual Research Conference, which brings together educational researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss contemporary educational issues.

Through these contributions, ACER has had a substantial impact on educational policy and practice in Australia and has gained recognition for its expertise internationally. The organization's work has been instrumental in:

• Shaping national education policies and agreements
• Improving assessment practices across all education sectors
• Enhancing teacher capacity through evidence-based resources and professional learning
• Identifying and addressing educational inequities
• Informing public understanding of educational issues through accessible research publications

Publications and Resources

ACER produces a wide range of publications and resources that translate research into practical knowledge for educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public. These include:

Research Reports

ACER publishes comprehensive research reports on a broad spectrum of educational issues. These reports provide in-depth analysis and findings based on rigorous research methodologies.

Journals

ACER publishes peer-reviewed academic journals including the Australian Journal of Education, which features research on educational policy, theory, and practice.

Teacher Resources

The organization develops practical resources for teachers, including assessment tools, teaching materials, and professional learning guides that apply research findings to classroom practice.

Assessment Instruments

ACER creates and distributes various assessment tools such as the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), which measure student achievement in key learning areas and help teachers identify learning needs.

Policy Briefs

Short, accessible documents that summarize research findings and their implications for educational policy, designed to inform decision-makers.

International Collaborations

ACER has established numerous international collaborations that enhance its research capabilities and extend its global impact. Key partnerships include:

Organization	Nature of Collaboration
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)	ACER has been involved in the design and implementation of major international assessments including PISA and PIAAC.
IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement)	ACER participates in international studies such as TIMSS and PIRLS.
UNESCO	Collaboration on global education initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
World Bank	Joint projects improving educational assessment in developing nations.
Regional education ministries	Partnerships with education systems across Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.

Through these collaborations, ACER contributes to the global knowledge base on education while learning from international practices and innovations. The organization's international work includes capacity building with education systems in developing countries, participation in global research projects on educational assessment and learning, knowledge exchange through international conferences and publications, and development of assessment tools tailored to diverse cultural contexts.

Organizational Structure

ACER's organizational structure is designed to support its research mission and ensure operational efficiency. The council is governed by a Board comprising professionals with expertise in education, research, governance, and management. This Board provides strategic direction and oversight of ACER's operations.

The day-to-day management of ACER is led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is supported by a senior leadership team. The organization is structured into several divisions focusing on different areas of expertise:

• Assessment and Psychometric Research
• Educational Monitoring and Research
• Tertiary and Vocational Education Services
• Communication and Resources
• Business and Corporate Services

Each division is staffed by researchers, assessment specialists, project managers, and administrative personnel who work together to deliver ACER's mission. The organization maintains offices in several Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra, ensuring nationwide reach.

Future Directions

As education continues to evolve in response to technological, social, and economic changes, ACER is adapting its research priorities and practices accordingly. Key areas of focus for the future include:

• Digital Assessment: Developing and evaluating new approaches to assessment that leverage digital technologies, including automated scoring and adaptive testing.
• Learning Analytics: Using data more effectively to understand learning processes and outcomes, and to provide targeted support to learners.
• Educational Equity: Intensifying research on how to reduce achievement gaps related to socioeconomic status, geographic location, cultural background, and other factors.
• Future Skills: Identifying and assessing the skills learners will need in the changing world of work, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy.
• Educator Capacity Building: Enhancing approaches to teacher professional learning that are evidence-based and lead to improved student outcomes.
• Global Education: Continuing to contribute to international research collaborations and educational development initiatives, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

As it moves into its tenth decade, ACER remains committed to its founding purpose of improving learning through research. By combining rigorous evidence with practical application, the organization continues to make valuable contributions to education in Australia and around the world.