School Network & Programs
The Alliance convenes a School Network of Victorian low-SES schools to focus on what matters most for improvement in low-SES contexts AND to pursue change at both school and system level (more info here and below). ​
The Alliance also works with individual schools to engage students and teachers as partners in their school improvement efforts for education equity
(see our Student & Teacher Champions for Education Equity Program below).
If you would like to discuss further, please contact the Alliance's Founder & CEO, Tim Warwick, at tim@equityalliance.com.au
Term 2 Forum -
The science of learning as a critical lever for improved equity
Thursday 15th May
8am to 10am
Online, Free
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The science of learning and development provides strong and clear guidance on how children and young people learn.
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The advancements in this knowledge and understanding provide a critical opportunity for us to consider what all young people need to thrive and succeed in the classroom - and accordingly how we can leverage this understanding to strive for greater education equity.
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This Forum is for Principal-Class and Middle Leaders across Victorian low-SES schools.
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Register here
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Forum Agenda
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Guest Speaker: ‘Guiding principles for equitable whole-child design’ with Laura E. Hernandez
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Case studies on leveraging the science of learning to establish equitable learning environments
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Workshop on working systemically to apply the science of learning to drive equity
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Guest Speaker: Laura E. Hernandez, Senior Researcher – Learning Policy Institute. Laura specializes in designing and conducting qualitative research on whole child approaches and the systems and structures that enable them. Together with Linda Darling-Hammond and leaders from Turnaround for Children, Laura developed the Guiding Principles for Equitable Whole-Child Design. More information on the principles can be accessed here and here
Term 2 In-Person Workshop: How do we prioritise our activities for improved education equity?
Monday 30th June
9am to 4pm
Orygen Youth Health (Parkville), $100 per person
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Join the Education Equity Alliance's School Network for an interactive workshop considering 'how do we prioritise our activites for improved education equity?'.
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This workshop is for Principal-Class and Middle Leaders in Victorian low-SES schools (ICSEA below 1000).
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We know that the work of achieving equity of outcomes for the young people in these contexts is significant - and that you are constantly making important decisions about where to place limited time, energy and resources.
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This workshop will utilise leverage point analysis to help you determine where you can apply your efforts for the biggest impact. This workshop will draw upon the systems thinking framework, which supports improvement in complex systems. In particular, it will utilise a leverage point analysis tool developed by Orange Compass, which provides a stepped out process through which you can decide where you focus your energy for maximum impact. For an example of this approach in practice, see the Early Years Catalyst here.
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Register here.
School Network
Further information on the Network can be accessed here.
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The Network brings together leaders from across Victorian low-SES school communities with the following objectives:
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To focus on what matters most in low-SES contexts
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To strengthen student and teacher voice & agency for improved equity
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To enhance collaboration and connection both between low-SES schools and between these schools and the education system.
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The Network partners with Kerrie Dowsley and Megan Corcoran, two experienced school leaders as School Improvement Critical Friends and with Orange Compass, experts in improving complex systems.
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The Network is focused on low-SES schools across Outer Melbourne and rural/regional Victoria. We are looking for school leaders who are passionate about seeing improvement in our schools and education system, who have a deep understanding of their context and a track record of successful implementation of improvement priorities. ​​
In-School Program:
Student & Teacher Champions for Equity
An overview of the program can be accessed here.
This program supports schools to activate genuine voice & agency of Student and Teacher Champions to identify what matters most for education equity in their school community. The Champions then work together to co-design school improvement priorities aligned to the school's existing Strategic and Annual Improvement Plans.
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The school identifies two groups:
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Student Champions - 10-15 students from across student leadership and priority cohorts
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Staff Champions - 5-10 staff from across School Leadership, Wellbeing & Behaviour, and Teaching Staff (especially those passionate about equity)
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The Alliance facilitates the following activities:
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Student Champions Intro Session (2 hours) - building an understanding of education equity and identifying a set of key barriers and opportunities
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Staff Champions Intro Session (1 hours) - education equity definition, data and research; contributing to the set of barriers and opportunities
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Co-Design Workshop (2 hours) - Student and Staff Champions work together to identify school improvement actions, evidence of impact and activities to address the barriers to equity.
Supporting Resources
The following documents underpin the Education Equity Alliance's work.
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The Alliance's Ethics Statement sets out its guidelines for its ethical and responsible engagement with young people. This includes both the benefits of engagement, risk mitigation, and how student contributions are used appropriately.
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The Alliance's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Code of Conduct covers how the Alliance meets its legal and ethical obligations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students it works with.
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The Alliance's Reading Guide sets out the key literature and research that underpin its approach towards both equity and system-change.
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