Achieving Education Equity: What does it ask of us?

This episode explores the profound impact of childhood trauma on education and society, featuring insights from Benjamin Perks (author of Trauma Proof: Healing, Attachment and the Science of Prevention) and trauma expert, Megan Corcoran (author of Beyond Survival Mode, Thriving as a Trauma-informed Professional ). Together with Tim, Benjamin and Megan discuss trauma-informed practices, the importance of strong relationship-building in schools, and a vision for trauma-proof, healing-centred education systems. Benjamin also zooms us out from the work of schools, to provide a powerful call-to-action on the need to empower families to enable all children to thrive beginning in early childhood.In the episode, Benjamin mentions wonderful examples of schools and system's doing intentional work around the student relationships, including ⁠Harvard Graduate School of Education's relational mapping approach⁠ and the ⁠Scottish Government's landmark child safety and wellbeing reforms⁠ which commit to all young people having a strong, healthy relationship with a key adult. Megan references a recent study by ⁠Deakin University on teacher stress and burnout⁠, which finds that teachers are currently experiencing higher rates of secondary stress then other professions and the national workforce norm.Tim refers to a short explainer episode of the podcast, outlining the visioning process EEA is currently undertaking with over 50 education stakeholders.Benjamin's book, Trauma Proof: Healing, Attachment and the Science of Prevention, is available to purchase ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Megan's book, Beyond Survival Mode, Thriving as a Trauma-informed Professional, is available to purchase ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this enriching episode, Liz Robinson, CEO of Big Education in the UK, shares her expansive vision for equitable education, emphasising the importance of holistic approaches, community engagement, and systemic change. Liz and Tim discuss practical strategies and inspiring stories that highlight how to create inclusive, resourceful, and student-centred learning environments.You can find more on Big Education's multi-academy trust here and their Enrichment for All coalition here.A great overview of the enrichment gaps faced by UK students, and the change the coalition is seeking to see can be found in their recent report Enrichment for All: Benchmarks to build belonging, skills and opportunity. Tim referenced Australian data and research regarding access to enrichment activities and the equity gap in Australia, including that one-third of Australian children in low-income suburbs do not take part in any extracurricular activities compared to 13% from higher-income suburbs. This is despite the known benefits of engagement in these activities.Liz shared her experience of leading multi-academy trusts, which are currently being explore in the Australian context through a trial by the Tasmanian Department of Education supported by McKinnon Foundation.

In this insightful episode, Tim is joined by Tom Greenwell and Chris Bonnor, authors of Waiting for Gonski, to explore the current challenges in Australia's education system, including funding disparities, segregation, and systemic assumptions. They propose a framework for a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse education system and funding model, drawing lessons from international models and advocating for systemic reform. Throughout our Visions for Education Equity series, we have been discussing the Three Horizons process, and we would love for as many of you to get involved as possible. If you’re interested in coming along to the workshops, please reach out to hello@equityalliance.com.au. We will also be holding the Achieving Education Equity Gathering on Thursday 30 July, bringing together hundreds of low-SES schools and organisations committed to progressing education equity, for a hands-on day of learning and action. If you’d like to participate in The Gathering, you can sign up here. Grab a copy of Chris and Tom’s book, Waiting for Gonski, while stocks last! Mentioned during the episode were Chris and Tom’s paper on the Choice and Fairness framework for Australian schools, for a more equitable model of funding and regulation. Be sure to also check out the paper Chris and Tom wrote on their learnings from studying the Canadian education system, and how some of them might be applied to Australian schools. And don’t miss Chris’ brilliant article on Lessons for Australian schooling.

In the latest episode in our Visions for Education Equity series, Tim and Professor Linda Graham discuss the current state and future of education equity. They explore the importance of inclusive education, the trends affecting students, and the need for systemic change. Linda shares insights from her research on suspensions and exclusions, highlighting the over-representation of marginalised groups. They also discuss the positive developments in education, the role of teachers, and the importance of accessible assessment and pedagogy. The conversation emphasises the need for collaboration and investment in teachers to create a more equitable education system.

Tim Warwick, founder and CEO of the Education Equity Alliance, introduces a new series focused on visions for a more equitable education system. He discusses the importance of equity and excellence in education, the challenges faced in achieving these goals, and the collaborative efforts of various NGOs to create a clearer vision of equity in practice. The conversation also introduces the 'Three Horizons' framework, which will guide discussions on current practices, transitional innovations, and future aspirations for educational equity. Tim emphasises the need for stakeholder engagement and invites contributions to the ongoing conversation.Learn more about The Collective.Read Pasi Sahlberg's article, 'Why the new plan for fairer schools will fail'.The 'Three Horizons' framework explained.