This Research Review aims to engage Australian policy makers, curriculum writers, and school leaders in thinking about the importance of and possibilities for teaching and learning about taxation and superannuation in the compulsory years of schooling (Foundation to Year 10). There are 5 sections.
The first section explores the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs [MCEECDYA], 2008) and situates the importance of teaching and learning about taxation and superannuation to achieving these goals.
The second section discusses relevant international and national education policies, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) International Network on Financial Education (INFE) Guidelines on Financial Education in Schools (OECD, 2012), the National Consumer and Financial Literacy Framework (MCEECDYA, 2005), and the National Financial Literacy Strategies (Australian Securities and Investments Commission [ASIC], 2011, 2014).
The third section examines Australian taxpayer and investor attitudes and behaviour and briefly considers the implications for school education.
The fourth section provides a critical review of theoretical and empirical research literature and offers a more comprehensive appraisal of the implications for school education.
The final section frames the key insights drawn against an examination of the existing and potential opportunities for teaching and learning about taxation and superannuation within the Australian Curriculum and makes recommendations that are intended to advance thinking about these opportunities.
Continue to: The goals of schooling