“Working Against the Grain”: Middle Leaders Espoused and Actual Practices for Supporting Māori Student Success

• In Event: Indigenous Leadership: Research, Remedy, and the Right to Self-Determination

Abstract

Middle leaders are important conduits for school policy and are often required to lead, champion and monitor change initiatives in their departments. This paper discusses secondary school middle leaders’ self-reported theories, promotion and leadership of culturally responsive teaching approaches for Māori student achievement. The study participants (n=170) were curriculum leaders in state secondary schools throughout New Zealand. The study found that although middle leaders could clearly articulate CRP and leadership in alignment with government policies and expectations, less than 30% of the middle leader participants mentioned academic achievement as an element of Māori student success, and few mentioned the importance of systematic monitoring of achievement data, or using it to support better learning outcomes for Māori students

Authors

• Melinda Webber, University of Auckland

• Camilla Highfield, University of Auckland