Supporting Sustainable Change in Schools Through University-School Partnerships

This event brings together school leaders and education researchers to explore how university–school partnerships can implement research-informed practices for scalable, sustainable improvement in education. Drawing on the new book titled 'Pragmatic Adaptive Leadership: Tools for Guiding in Complex Educational Systems' and extensive experience in scaling long-term university-school partnerships, Professor Simon Leonard (UniSA Education Futures) and Associate Professor Mei Kuin Lai (University of Auckland) will share practical and scholarly insights into leading change in complex systems through partnership, followed by open discussion and networking.

Agenda:

1. Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome Introduction

   Presentation(s) by:

   1. Professor Simon Leonard- University of South Australia

   2. Associate Professor Mei Kuin Lai – University of Auckland

   3. Dr Deborah Devis- University of South Australia

2. Discussion and Q & A (Followed by networking, drinks and nibbles)

Bios:

Professor Simon Leonard: Simon is a Professor of the Learning Sciences. He leads a multidisciplinary team who are seeking to understand and implement the school and classroom practices and environments that support students in all areas of their development. They engage with schools and school systems through collaborative research projects, typically with teachers engaging in the project through our research degree programs, and through smaller consultancy and professional learning projects where we support schools to make evidence-based change.

Associate Professor Mei Kuin Lai: from the University of Auckland, is a leading education researcher whose work focuses on scaling and sustaining research-informed interventions through long-term university–school partnerships. She co-designed the Learning Schools Model, implemented across five countries for over 17 years, improving equity and achievement for Māori and Pasifika students in low socio-economic communities.

Dr Deborah Devis :Debbie is a research fellow at Education Futures, with interests in systems thinking, Cultural Historical Activity Theory, and Knowledge Brokerage. She believes good research should be accessible and actionable, so her expertise lies in translating complex information into practical outputs and co-designing solutions for complexity in education. Currently, Debbie leads the educational design team as part of the Education Futures Academy, focusing on effective research-informed design that considers context and flexibility.