Evaluation of early learning and schools initiatives in the National Innovation and Science Agenda

The department commissioned dandolopartners to evaluate the NISA-funded school and early years initiatives individually and as a whole. The evaluation is based on desktop analysis drawing upon existing individual initiative evaluations and contractual and performance data, available information on other STEM initiatives and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. Stakeholders consulted included state and territory officials, non-government education representatives, principal, teacher and parent associations, ACARA, AITSL, ESA, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Academy of Science and CSIRO as well as online focus groups of teachers and principals and all current procurement-contracted or grant-funded providers. The evaluation found that, in general, these initiatives were working well, successfully reaching target audiences and increasing their confidence and engagement in STEM.