Representing Te Papapa School, Associate Principals Chandana Rao and Gemma Adcock and Team Leaders Kydene Sinclair and Amelia Tu’itahi share their wisdom on creating adaptive expertise within their school. They work as a collaborative team of teachers who make assessment for learning work for student improvement.
“Adaptive expertise requires ongoing improvements in both teacher practice and student outcomes. As school leaders, it is our responsibility to cultivate a teaching and learning environment that fosters this continuous growth. This means creating a culture where educators are encouraged to think critically, reflect on their practice, and adapt their teaching to meet the evolving needs of our ākonga.
However, developing adaptive expertise is not without its challenges. Balancing innovation with curriculum requirements and ensuring equity in learning opportunities all require adaptive leadership. At Te Papapa School, we address these challenges by implementing a range of supportive systems and frameworks designed to support and as needed, scaffold teachers and students. These include professional learning, collaborative inquiry, and evidence-based teaching approaches that encourage flexibility and responsiveness. By embedding these supports, we strive to create an environment where continuous learning and adaptation are not just encouraged but expected, ensuring that our school remains a place of growth and success for all.”
Find the Te Papapa School presentation slides here: Te Papapa School Adaptive Expertise NZAI 2025
