Nominations now open for AERO First Nations reference group

More than 250 positions are available to guide the future of First Nations education in Australia through the First Nations Expert Reference Group which is being established by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) to ensure education research, policy and practices meet the needs of First Nations communities.

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is Australia’s independent education evidence body.

AERO works towards excellence and equitable outcomes for all children and young people by advancing an evidence-based education system. AERO’s role is to generate high-quality evidence, make high-quality evidence accessible and enhance the use of evidence in Australian education.

Sally Cooper, AERO’s Principal Advisor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Engagement, said the organisation is seeking people from urban, regional, remote and very remote communities, with a diverse range of education experience, to join the reference group.

“From early childhood education to curriculum and pedagogy development, and community engagement through to Indigenous language revitalisation, the group will harness expertise and work collaboratively to enhance education for First Nations students around the country,” Ms Cooper said.

AERO’s CEO Dr Jenny Donovan said the establishment of the reference group was one example of the national education evidence body’s commitment to achieving real change in First Nations education.

“Improving outcomes for First Nations students requires us to work collaboratively across curriculum implementation, community engagement, policy development, and beyond. This new reference group will play a huge role in this,” Dr Donovan said.

“Reference group members will also help ensure the quality evidence we make available to teachers, educators, leaders and policymakers is always reviewed from a First Nations perspective.”

Reference group members will be remunerated for their expertise and time. Nominations are now open, until COB Monday 20 November. For more details, visit edresearch.edu.au or email erg@edresearch.edu.au

“If you are passionate about improving education for First Nations students in Australia and have experience in this area, we’d love to hear from you,” Dr Donovan said.