Educational disengagement: a review of international, Australian and state policy responses

Abstract

This paper reviews international and Australian policies to re-connect young people disengaged from education, training and employment. Current Australian education policies recognise young people resisting educational opportunities and suggest they receive additional adult intervention. The professional/client casework model, which increases surveillance and control practices, is evident in a range of international, state & federal education strategies. A critical review of literature sought to examine the policies that measure and affect change in the lives of young people experiencing educational disadvantage. The paper is structured around four questions: Do generic definitions of disengaged youth exist? How are governments around the world responding to youth disengagement? What are the aims of Australian education policies in relation to these global responses? How is the state of Queensland responding?