Join us for a discussion with Dominic, Rebecca, and Stephen. Thursday 4 June at 7pm on the AEC Substack.

Add this event to your calendar by clicking on this link.

Join a panel discussion with:

• Professor Sara Tolbert

• Madeleine Collins

• Associate Professor Chris Eames

• Claire Coleman as MC

Tickets are free from aec.org.nz

Friday 28 November @ 6:30pm.

To join subscribe for this substack and join the live conversation.

Join a panel discussion with:

• Professor Sara Tolbert

• Madeleine Collins

• Assoicate Professor Chris Eames

• Claire Coleman as MC

Discussion Highlights:

• Policy Roots: Associate Professor Aydarova will unpack the foundational policy decisions and historical contexts that have shaped the "Science of Reading" movement. What were the initial impulses and research findings that led to these widespread reforms?

• Intertwined Agendas: Beyond the stated goals of improving literacy, we will critically examine the various agendas — educational, political, and ideological — that have become intertwined with the "Science of Reading." How do these different interests influence the implementation and interpretation of the reforms?

• Profits and Companies: A crucial aspect of our discussion will be the commercialization of literacy education. We will explore the companies that have benefited financially from the "Science of Reading" reforms, investigating the products, services, and curricula that have emerged and the profits gained.

This insightful discussion will be expertly moderated by Stephen Lethbridge, who will guide the conversation and facilitate a deeper understanding of this critical educational topic.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, parent, or simply interested in the future of literacy education, this discussion promises to be an engaging and informative exploration of a significant contemporary issue.

Find out more about Welby’s book here.

The ingoa of this inaugural education summit was gifted by renowned rangatira and Māori linguist, Dr Te Haumihiata Mason. Te Aka refers to a strong vine which is capable of binding separate entities and Pūmau refers to a state of permanency. This resonates with the intention of this summit, which is to collectivise iwi and education leaders so that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is kept safe within the education system and fixed so that it cannot be removed.

3 September 2025 @ Massey University Te Whanganui a Tara

Register here

Keynote speakers include:

• Tina Ngata (Ngāti Porou) is a distinguished author, researcher and advocate for environmental, indigenous, and human rights.

• Chris Finlayson (King's Counsel) is a former Attorney General and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, with a distinguished career in law and public service.

This inaugural gathering is more than an event; it is the beginning of a positive, national education movement enacted by tangata whenua and tangata tiriti. Registrations for the 2025 summit are capped at 200 nationwide. Register early to secure an exclusive chance to connect, kōrero and shape the future together.

The registration fee is $230, which includes all keynote and breakout sessions, along with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and a summit t-shirt.

Tuesday 26 August at 7pm.

Tickets are free and from aec.org.nz

In Invisible Intelligence, educationalist, filmmaker and best-selling author Welby Ings considers how schools measure intelligence and shows how narrow definitions of literacy and numeracy can lead to bright students being described as ‘behind’ and positioned as problems, when they are not. Ings mixes poignant, humorous and insightful storytelling with current research to explore the ways that some children’s intelligent approaches to problem-solving are dismissed or ignored, with devastating consequences for individuals and society. Yet Invisible Intelligence offers hope. Written with wisdom, experience and compassion, it is the kind of book that ‘puts an arm around the shoulders’ of those who love and work with kids whose intelligence is not recognised because they don’t learn the same way as other children. Pragmatic, wise and helpful, Invisible Intelligence shows what we can do better in education, and why it’s so important that we do.

‘Invisible Intelligence affirms the complex work of teachers while highlighting the things we might change. This book is incredibly timely and original, and a very fresh breath of air. It made me laugh and nod and cry. I cannot wait to give it to everyone I know.” —Professor Vivienne Anderson

Here is a link to the book for anyone interested in purchasing a copy.

Join us for a compelling Zoom discussion as we delve into the "Science of Reading" reforms, exploring their origins, underlying agendas, and the significant financial interests at play.

This timely event will feature Associate Professor Elena Aydarova from the University of Wisconsin, a leading expert in educational policy, who will illuminate the complex landscape of these reforms.

Date: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM NZST

Discussion Highlights:

• Policy Roots: Associate Professor Aydarova will unpack the foundational policy decisions and historical contexts that have shaped the "Science of Reading" movement. What were the initial impulses and research findings that led to these widespread reforms?

• Intertwined Agendas: Beyond the stated goals of improving literacy, we will critically examine the various agendas — educational, political, and ideological — that have become intertwined with the "Science of Reading." How do these different interests influence the implementation and interpretation of the reforms?

• Profits and Companies: A crucial aspect of our discussion will be the commercialization of literacy education. We will explore the companies that have benefited financially from the "Science of Reading" reforms, investigating the products, services, and curricula that have emerged and the profits gained.

This insightful discussion will be expertly moderated by Stephen Lethbridge, who will guide the conversation and facilitate a deeper understanding of this critical educational topic.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, parent, or simply interested in the future of literacy education, this discussion promises to be an engaging and informative exploration of a significant contemporary issue.

Register now for your free ticket and receive the Zoom link prior to the event!

Alongside Profession Peter O’Connor we had Dr Marta Estellés, Dr Jade Wrathall, and Lynda Stuart.

Below is the recording of the session along with the presentations from Marta and Jade. Click on the slide to go to the full presentation.

Before we get to that, Peter shared a poem at the end of the session that touches on the risks associated with the dataifcation of learning.

The data have landed - by Michael Rosen
First they said they needed data about the children to find out what they’re learning.
Then they said they needed data about the children to make sure they are learning.
Then the children only learnt what could be turned into data.
Then the children became data.

A number of Stuart’s insights were from his most recent book. Feel free to get a copy of it here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two of the most influential voices in education today!

Special thanks to our panel for being so willing to give up their time.

Here is a recording of the discussion. Enjoy.