Building on our Strengths : Improving Education in Aotearoa New Zealand

In the face of persistent challenges within Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system, Building on our Strengths offers a fresh perspective on ways of improving the system by focusing on what we are good at. With the OECD highlighting our system’s high quality but low equity, this book shifts from a narrow focus on problems to uncovering what we do well.

Drawing on extensive research and personal insights from the former Chief Education Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Education, this book explores five key strengths that could serve as catalysts for transformation. From the power of being local, learning from children, and trying to be bicultural, to the rich traditions of partnerships, creativity, and innovation, Building on our Strengths  identifies imperatives to  enhance educational success.

In a time when education reform often focuses on deficiencies, this book champions the understanding that leveraging our strengths is crucial for creating a more equitable and higher quality education system.