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
On Thursday May 15 we were joined by school leaders and community organisations from across Victoria for a forum focused on the science of learning as a lever for equity.
The full recording can be accessed below.
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It inclues:
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8 minute mark - Overview of Systems Thinking Framework to enhance school improvement
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20 minute mark - Guest Speaker: ‘Guiding principles for equitable whole-child design’ with Laura E. Hernandez from Learning Policy Institute (US)
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1hr 8 minute mark - Case study of implementing the science of learning in practice with Lachlan Yeates, Principal of Cranbourne Primary School
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 low-SES school contexts is significant - and that schools are constantly making important decisions about where to place limited time, energy and resources.
Come together with colleagues to consider key priorities for improved equity in low-SES schools, including: raising expectations, ensuring a classroom culture for learning (including attendance), striking the balance of learning and wellbeing, and enabling the conditions for teachers to do their work.
Participants will:
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Gain tools and a framework to support decision-making for improved equity​
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Develop clear next steps and actions to address challenges to equity​
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Connect with a community of colleagues working across Victorian low-SES schools
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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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