Publication Date

6-2000

Abstract

In 1995, a nationally representative sample of approximately 13,000 Year 9 students was selected to form the first cohort of the new Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth program. The sample was constructed by randomly selecting two Year 9 classes from a national sample of 300 schools designed to represent state and sector. Reading and numeracy tests were administered to students in their schools to provide information on early school achievement for use in later analyses of educational and labour market participation. Students also completed a background questionnaire about their educational and vocational plans and attitudes to school. In 1996 these students provided information in response to a mailed questionnaire. Information was also obtained from their schools about curricula and organisation. In 1997 members of the sample were contacted in the first of the annual telephone interviews (conducted by AC Nielsen, then Reark Research). That questionnaire included questions on school; transitions from school; post school education and training; work; job history; job search history; non-labour force activities; health, living arrangements and finance; and general attitudes. Subsequent surveys have asked similar questions but with the emphasis changing over time from school, to post-school education and training, and work .

 
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