In this episode I explore how we can start to remove the inequity in our schooling and society. It isn't just about schools, but about creating an ecology of equity that drives all services to work together. The proportion of children living in poverty in OECD countries varies enormously from 5% in Nordic Countries to 20% in USA and Israel. UNESCO calculated that even before the pandemic only 3/4 of 15 year old children in middle ranking coutnries are still in school and students only achieve a half of basic proficiency. It's a world problem of wasted talent that is then echoed in all countries.
Countries are inevitiably trying to improve their education sytems but often this means more accountability and introduces autonomy and competiton between schools. This has shown to impact bady on the disadvantaged.
Addressing this means thinking about pedagogy for inclusion, and collaboration btween schools and services. We can do much without a change in policy. We dont have to wait. Equity will lead to excellence. Its worth the investment and change in mindset.
In the podcast I refer to
Prof. Mel Ainscow's work: https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=37130
Prof. Pasi Sahlberg: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10671-020-09284-4
Douglas Stuart: Shuggie Bain
Iaan Gilbert : The Working Class.
