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Finding alternatives to the ATAR

This presentation discusses the limitations of the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as a selection tool and examines alternative entry criteria that better recognize diverse student experiences and capabilities. It emphasizes the need for equitable access, matching students to the right courses, and reducing stress and anxiety associated with the ATAR. The talk also explores the impact of the ATAR on decisions about post-school pathways.

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Finding alternatives to the ATAR

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  1. Prof Sarah MaddisonSwinburne University of Technology Australia Finding alternatives to the ATAR ATAR = Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Tertiary School Workforce @ProfAstroSarah International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

  2. The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) New world of work will require post-secondary training. Y12 is now the norm, and most Australians continue to higher studies Young Australians with a Bachelor degree 40% 30% 20% 79% 56% 37% 10% 2004 2008 2012 2016   Australians with Y12 Young Australians with Bachelors   Australians with post-secondary (25-34 year olds) [2017, UA] [2017, ACARA] [2016, ABS] International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

  3. The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) New world of work will require post-secondary training. Y12 is now the norm, and most Australians continue to higher studies Designed as a tool to facilitate university admissions, the ATAR has taken on a life of its own, becoming a goal in itself  79% 56% 37% 26% 60%   Australians with Y12 Young Australians with Bachelors   DOM admit via ATAR  non-ATAR + non-Y12 admissions   Australians with post-secondary (25-34 year olds) [2017, DET] [2017, UA] [2017, ACARA] [2016, ABS] [2017, DET] International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

  4. Alternative Entry 60% Universities have broadened their basis of admission to better recognise experience in addition to / instead of school completion. Criteria may include interviews, portfolios, personal statements, extra curricular activities, special consideration, exams and ATAR.  non-ATAR + non-Y12 admissions 30%  direct application to university [2016, DET] International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

  5. Problems & Prioretisations Reform: need to acknowledge secondary and tertiary form an ongoing learning pathway  priorities: Limitation of ATAR as a selection tool: ATAR is a barrier to equitable access Match students to the right course (ability, interests & aptitude); and avoid prestige assumptions Recognise broader capabilities (select not just on final exam competency) Strive for equity (background or family circumstances should not be a barrier) Not ‘one size fits all’ (need a range of admission approaches); but avoid duplication & complexity ATAR does not indicate student’s academic potential ATAR does not deliver strong educational outcomes ATAR creates stress and anxiety ATAR Influencing decisions about post-school pathways  International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

  6. Problems & Prioretisations Reform: need to acknowledge secondary and tertiary form an ongoing learning pathway  priorities: Limitation of ATAR as a selection tool: ATAR is a barrier to equitable access Match students to the right course (ability, interests & aptitude); and avoid prestige assumptions Recognise broader capabilities (select not just on final exam competency) Strive for equity (background or family circumstances should not be a barrier) Not ‘one size fits all’ (need a range of admission approaches); but avoid duplication & complexity ATAR does not indicate student’s academic potential “To expect a single index to capture a person’s achievement after 6-12 years of study and their potential for a particular course is simplistic and reductionist.”Stephen Parker, Vice-Chancellor, U.Canberra ATAR does not deliver strong educational outcomes ATAR creates stress and anxiety ATAR Influencing decisions about post-school pathways  International Symposium on Employability and the Learner Profile (ISELP) Thursday 3rd October 2019

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