Achieving Education Equity: What does it ask of us?

Episode 6: Associate Professor Helen Adam's vision for equitable literacy learning environments

Tim Warwick, founder and CEO of the Education Equity Alliance, is joined by Associate Professor Helen Adam, for a conversation exploring the critical role of literacy in achieving educational equity. Helen is a lecturer and researcher at Edith Cowan University, a former teacher and now President of the Primary English Teachers Association of Australia, a recent Churchill Fellow, and author of new book, Creating Equitable Literacy Learning Environments: A Transformative Model.Read Helen's PETAA paper on realising the right to read through equitable literacy environments, as well as her latest articles on differentiated literature mirrors for diverse children, and representation in children's books.In the episode, Helen also references articles written by Mark Seidenberg, which can be found here, and here.Finally, Helen comments on Aboriginal English being a rule-based dialect of English, which you can learn more about here.

Introducing our Visions for Education Equity series

Tim Warwick, founder and CEO of the Education Equity Alliance, introduces a new series focused on visions for a more equitable education system. He discusses the importance of equity and excellence in education, the challenges faced in achieving these goals, and the collaborative efforts of various NGOs to create a clearer vision of equity in practice. The conversation also introduces the 'Three Horizons' framework, which will guide discussions on current practices, transitional innovations, and future aspirations for educational equity. Tim emphasises the need for stakeholder engagement and invites contributions to the ongoing conversation.Learn more about The Collective.Read Pasi Sahlberg's article, 'Why the new plan for fairer schools will fail'.The 'Three Horizons' framework explained.

Episode 5: 'Learning our way through' - the doing of education equity (Part 3)

Addressing the core challenges of education equity requires more than good intentions — it demands collective responsibility, systemic honesty, and a willingness to confront pain. In this episode, we explore how the noise and conflict in education hinder progress, and what it truly takes to build coherence across schools, classrooms, and systems. You’ll discover practical insights on quieting the battle lines between competing approaches, the power of shared responsibility for outcome conditions, and how to foster honesty about harm while centering the strengths of our schools and students.Join us as we unpack the patterns that keep inequity entrenched — from siloed accountability to the emotional toll experienced by teachers and students. We break down how listening deeply to the lived realities of educators and learners can spark the system-wide shifts needed for real progress. You’ll hear stories of how systemic blame and misunderstanding only deepen the divide, and learn why building trust through collective effort is the true lever for lasting change.You'll understand how a unified approach—where teachers, leaders, families, students, and organizations come to the table—can transform the landscape of education. This episode is perfect for system leaders, educators, and advocates committed to turning awareness into action. Without confronting our shared pain and embracing a collective responsibility, we risk perpetuating the very inequities we aim to dismantle. But with clarity, honesty, and collaboration, we can pave the way toward more equitable outcomes for all learners.If you believe in the power of system-wide change—guided by honesty, diversity of thought, and shared responsibility—this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you with the insights to act intentionally. It's not just about fixing schools; it’s about restoring trust, acknowledging harm, and working together to center the strengths that already exist within our communities.Submit an EOI for the Achieving Education Equity Gathering:https://events.humanitix.com/achieving-education-equity-gatheringThe Collective: https://www.educationequityalliance.com.au/collectiveimpactThe Leadership Council: https://www.educationequityalliance.com.au/about-1Mud Map: https://www.educationequityalliance.com.au/priorities

Episode 4: 'Going against the grain' - the doing of education equity (Part 2)

Many schools and systems struggle to meet the needs of students facing the greatest disadvantages. What if the key to transforming education equity lies not just in policies or programs, but in how we show up—relationally, systemically, and collectively? This episode unpacks the hidden patterns hindering progress: from the fragility of equity moments to the weight of systemic stress, and the critical role of empowering educators and trusting communities.You’ll discover:The vital importance of relationships as pathways to equity, and why schools that succeed do so through strong, authentic connections.How systems unintentionally undermine teachers and students by prioritizing control over trust, exacerbating the very challenges they aim to solve.The power of radical collaboration—building genuine, deep partnerships across classrooms, communities, and systems—to challenge the status quo.Why tackling inequity requires more than technical solutions; it demands shifting mindsets, addressing systemic narratives, and embracing shared accountability.Practical insights from frontline teachers, students, and system leaders on how to create conditions that genuinely support marginalized students, especially in low SES and complex settings.This episode challenges you to see beyond surface fixes and explore how we can collectively create a system where every young person—regardless of their background—is truly supported to thrive. It’s essential listening for educators, policymakers, community advocates, and anyone committed to making education a force for equity—not just in theory, but in practice.Join us as we delve into the deeply relational work that transforms systems from the inside out. Because real change happens not just through policies, but through the trusting relationships and courageous collaboration that empower every student and educator to succeed.

Episode 3: 'Just build relationships' - the doing of education equity (Part 1)

Together, Tim Warwick, Tara Richardson and Zinny Hunt dive into the heart of education equity and begin to examine key patterns in our ways of working as an education system. These patterns come from Tim's recent article - see below. Through candid conversations, they reveal the hidden dynamics that shape educational outcomes in particular, it digs into Pattern 1: Pushing past silver bullets to hold space for implementation AND Pattern 2: Pausing the crises and reclaiming time. Tune in for an engaging discussion that challenges the status quo and inspires action towards a more equitable educational landscape.Article from Tim: Do we really want a more equitable education system? Website⁠⁠LinkedIn