This monograph is designed to highlight areas of research strength found at The University of Auckland's Faculty of Education. The chosen theme of this volume, "Changing trajectories of teaching and learning," encompasses the Faculty's strong research presence in ongoing teacher learning and in raising student achievement, particularly in lower decile schools and in the area of literacy. It also encompasses the Faculty's role in enhancing teaching and learning through researching quality teacher education and social work education. This volume consists of two invited lead chapters, one each by Professors Stuart McNaughton and Helen Timperley. Each of these contributes to our conceptualisation of notions of trajectories of learning for students and teachers respectively. The final chapter by Dr Mei Lai, also an invited piece, addresses issues of sustainability of interventions to change trajectories of achievement, issues clearly vital for the ability to maintain and further improve teaching and learning beyond the length of any teaching or research intervention.

Every school leader and teacher knows that the challenges of change are constant and ongoing. Expectations have risen. The material for Weaving Evidence, Inquiry and Standards to Build Better Schools is based on the authors' involvement in research and development projects that have successfully accelerated students' learning and achievement throughout the country. All the authors work closely with schools and know what it takes to tackle the tough problems involved in leading, teaching and learning. The book presents sets of principles and practical suggestions to guide improvement efforts. The emphasis is on three dimensions of improving capability: instructional, organisational and evaluative. These capabilities develop over time through multiple cycles of inquiry and knowledge building. Alongside these sit trusting but challenging relationships and managed interdependence. The book provides a helpful continuum of progression for use in professional development. Mostly, it will provoke thinking, talking and action by all those engaged in building better schools.