Schools Using Collaboration to Promote Equity Within a Competitive Policy Context: Possibilities and Challenges

• In Event: Research-Practitioner Partnerships: Innovations, Challenges, and Applications

Abstract

The study reported in this paper builds on a program of research over the last twenty years. This has led to an approach that involves teams of teachers collaborating with university researchers in gathering evidence to stimulate efforts to find more effective ways of reaching hard-to-reach learners. The paper reports the experiences of a network of secondary schools using this approach in England, where national policy has encouraged schools to become increasingly competitive. It throws light on the challenges faced by schools as a result of this policy, as well as identifying ways of overcoming these difficulties. The paper concludes with recommendations for future practices and policies that are relevant to other education systems that are seeking to promote equity.

Authors

• Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester

• Paul Wilfred Armstrong, University of Manchester

• Stephen Rayner, University of Manchester