​​This resource features five videos in which Professor Mel Ainscow, CBE, shares his thoughts on supporting improvement by creating equity in the educational system.

Professor Ainscow, who is co-director of the Centre for Equity in Education at the University of Manchester, looks at national education policies from other countries that are encouraging schools to become autonomous. He says such developments could inject new energy into the improvement of education systems, but could also lead to fragmentation that further disadvantages learners from poorer backgrounds.

Explore this resource

Addressing the challenge of equity

Results from a five year study in Yorkshire show that strengthening the collaboration within and amongst schools can address the challenge of equity.

Collaborative enquiry and evidence

Evidence can create the catalyst of change. Dialogue develops amongst teachers when they see each other teach and listening to pupil voice can be the stimulus for rethinking the way they think.

Mobilising resources to reduce barriers 

Finding the best expertise available to reduce identified barriers and find ways to share.

Collaborative teacher action research 

Teachers are encouraged to create trios to plan and observe research lessons, tuning into children's engagement.

Collaborative practice

Investing in professional learning is a necessary investment to improve the learning of children.

Video

Select a video from the YouTube menu on the right of the viewing pane, or select play to view the series.

Related research/reading

Ellis, S. and Sosu, E. (2014). Closing the Attainment Gap in Scottish Education. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Disclaimer

This research was not commissioned by Education Scotland and the findings, recommendations and conclusions do not necessarily reflect the views of Education Scotland.