Sustaining School Improvement through a School-University Partnership: Examining Longitudinal Organisational Outcomes in Affiliated Schools in ACT

This project explores how school–university partnerships can support long-term school improvement in ACT public schools. Focusing on the Affiliated Schools Program (ASP), a collaboration between the University of Canberra and the ACT Education Directorate, the study investigates its impact on key organisational outcomes: school climate, teacher development and commitment, and student belonging. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combines a longitudinal quantitative analysis of ACT school survey data (2016–2027) with qualitative interviews and focus groups across ten Affiliated Schools. The quantitative phase compares 25 ASP schools with 25 matched non-ASP schools using a comparative interrupted time series approach. The qualitative phase examines how ASP elements—such as teacher leadership and teachers as researchers—contribute to improvement. Findings will inform policy and practice by identifying effective strategies for sustaining school improvement and scaling partnerships. The project addresses national priorities around teacher workforce development and student wellbeing, with outcomes shared through academic publications, public seminars, and media outreach.