<p>In recent
years, the results of international tests of academic achievement such as the
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in
International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) have highlighted the
relatively poor performance of Australian students, especially in comparison
with students from East Asia. Within Australia, NAPLAN results have highlighted
the development of literacy and numeracy amongst Australian children differs
from region to region and state to state. Research in East Asia has shown the
factors that lead to the exceptional educational outcomes of students from East
Asia include educational resources. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>From a
family’s perspective, this means that, in broad terms, children should be able
to draw upon a culture that both values and supports learning, that there are
adequate resources to support academic achievement and that children are
well-prepared for learning (Phillipson, S. N, Stoeger & Ziegler, 2014;
Phillipson, S, Ku & Phillipson, S. N, 2014). In Australia today, the educational policies
of all state governments and territories recognise the fundamental roles played
by parents and the wider community in student learning. In line with this
movement, the Educational Environment Index in the ASG Parents Report Card
provides a snapshot of the educational environment that currently exists within
Australian families.</p>