Discussion with the SLT and Colleagues

Planning for an Effective Teacher Inquiry with my Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

Reconnaissance -  student inquiry foci 

Collaborate with your school’s leadership team and colleagues to identify areas where your inquiry will make a powerful contribution to wider school and cluster goals.

From what you know already about your classes and your school’s profile and leadership goals for the year, share a possible inquiry focus.

Frame your focus as a desired change in student learning, NOT a change in teaching (as yet!)

I have chosen  The Achievement Challenge 1 as an area of focus.  - Raise Maori student achievement through the development of cultural visibility and responsive practices across the pathway as measured against National Standards and agreed targets for reading Years 1-10.

I’m also considering my Inquiry focus question to be around: What strategies can I use to create a culturally responsive reading environment where all students feel seen, valued, and connected to the texts and discussions?

The "good inquiry happens in teams" has certainly proven true for me. I've had incredibly productive discussions with my syndicate team and, crucially, with my Senior Syndicate Leader, Hevaha Tua'koi. Her Tongan heritage and deep connections with the local Pasifika community are an immense blessing, as she brings a wealth of invaluable Pasifika knowledge and experience. Hevaha generously shared profound insights into supporting Pasifika learners, which has greatly enriched my understanding. Further strengthening my inquiry, I also engaged in a highly beneficial conversation with our Deputy Principal, Zhydah Petersen. She shared her extensive experience and effective strategies in working with both Māori and Pasifika learners within our school context. Through these powerful discussions and with the expert guidance of these two senior leaders, my inquiry focus has crystallised. I now feel I have a truly potent and challenging direction for integrating culturally responsive teaching and learning into my classroom practices. This collaborative foundation will be key as I strive to leverage students' cultural identities to deepen their engagement and comprehension in reading.