We help bridge the gap between research and action by:
- building and strengthening the evidence-base
- translating evidence into clear insights and practical resources
- supporting adoption and implementation in real-world settings.
Our positioning and impact framework explains our role, how we contribute to our vision, and how we monitor progress, learn from experience, and remain accountable to governments, educators, and the broader community.
Our theory of change
AERO's theory of change explains how our work contributes to better use of evidence in policy and practice, and how that contributes to longer-term improvements in outcomes for children and young people. It recognises our role as part of a complex system where education outcomes can’t be attributed to a single organisation. We distinguish between what we:
- directly control (our activities and outputs)
- influence (how evidence is used)
- contribute to (longer-term outcomes for children and young people).
AERO's theory of change - Figure 1 from Positioning and impact framework (PDF, 289 KB)
AERO's theory of change
What we do
- Generate high-quality evidence on the issues that matter
- Translate evidence into clear guidance and practical resources
- Work with systems, sectors, ECEC services and schools to support adoption
What we deliver
Generating high-quality evidence
- Advanced data analysis
- Rigorous program evaluation
- Expanded evidence base
Translating evidence
- Research findings in plain language
- Practice resources for educators
- Implementation guides and tools
- Policy-ready insights
Mechanisms of influence
- Engagement and consultation
- Practice advice
- Implementation support
- Tailored policy analysis and advice
All of this work can influence:
- Awareness
- Understanding
- Trust
- Confidence
- Capability
- Uptake
Resulting in outcomes that are in AERO’s sphere of control, sphere of influence and sphere of aspiration:
- Increased access to timely, relevant and practical solutions that work in the diversity of real-world settings
- Educators, leaders and policymakers use evidence to guide decisions, inform strategies and frameworks, improve teaching and supports for students
- Education policies and reforms are effectively directed to where they can make the greatest difference
- System and sector support enable effective and inclusive practice
- Educators are informed professionals who routinely use evidence to make professional judgements
All of which lead to:
All children and young people in Australia participate in excellent and equitable education
Essential enablers
- Dedicated First Nations expertise and the First Nations Reference Group ensure embedded First Nations perspectives, alignment with Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Closing the Gap priorities
- Strong research governance and ethics and a highly specialised workforce provide confidence that AERO’s insights are methodologically sound and defensible
- Organisational flexibility means quick responses to emerging needs at any point in the evidence lifestyle
Accountability and continuous improvement
As a national evidence body, we’re committed to understanding and demonstrating the contribution of our work. We monitor and evaluate our work to:
- understand what is working well and how we can improve
- inform decisions about our strategy
- be transparent and accountable to our funders and partners
- support continued confidence in the quality and value of our research and resources.
Our 2025 Annual Report describes our impact during our first 5 years.