Focusing on what can be done to promote equity within education systems, what the barriers to progress are and how these barriers might be overcome, this book provides detailed examples of strategies that have proved to be effective in addressing this challenge. Built on the work of the authors over the last three decades, the book presents an approach to educational change that will be relevant to different countries.

The authors argue that there is untapped potential for promoting progress towards greater equity within schools and the communities they serve. They also show how this potential can be mobilised by using forms of collaborative action research to stimulate the development of more inclusive ways of working. Central to this approach is the use of evidence collected by practitioners with the support of university researchers, drawing on the human resources that are there in every school.

Grounded in research, evidence and experience in the field, this book is ideal reading for a wide audience of practitioners and policy makers globally, including senior staff in schools, as well as post-graduate students, researchers and academics who are focusing on educational improvement.

"This book provides a rich set of examples to inform ways in which innovative responses can be developed through joint work that brings together diverse expertise and experiences."

Professor Carmen Montecinos, Directora, Lidrers Educativos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.

"The book offers rich, useful, and usable insights into the challenging work of building and rebuilding educational systems. Essential reading for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in educational systems and educational equity."

Professor James P. Spillane, Spencer T. & Ann W. Olin Professor of Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University, USA.

"The book is a testament to the education legacy of Robert Owen. Professors Chapman and Ainscow, together with their collaborators, are the "movers and shakers" of change. The authors’ deep commitment to equity and desire for positive change in disadvantaged communities motivate their work, and this book is a historic milestone for the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change."

Professor HUNG Wei Loong, Dean of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Singapore.

Christopher Chapman is Chair of Educational Policy and Practice at the University of Glasgow, and Director of Policy Scotland, United Kingdom.

Mel Ainscow is Professor of Education at the University of Glasgow. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.