Around the World in 80 Schools: A Global Journey to Discover What Makes a Great School

Statistics reveal British and American education systems in crisis: low student attendance, teacher recruitment and retention issues, student behavior problems, declining teacher morale, wellbeing problems and more.

Around the World in 80 Schools identifies schools that understand education as more than academic outcomes or a transaction that allows students to move up the next rung on the academic ladder. Unlike other books that focus narrowly on high-performing systems influenced by OECD PISA results--such as Finland, China, or Japan (which assess a narrow aspect of educational output based on what is testable, rather than what is of most value)--this book explores schools across every continent. It documents regions less commonly associated with educational excellence, including Africa, Central Asia, Australasia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

No other book seeks to learn from the full panoply of cultures, contexts and educational philosophies. It emphasizes variety and diversity: different cultural perspectives, environments, educational philosophies, and teaching methods. It showcases schools excelling in often overlooked ways, even in countries facing historical or contemporary challenges.

The book is structured around 9 themes:

1. Educational Purpose and Mission: What makes a compelling purpose and philosophy?
2. Learning: How do students learn?
3. The Curriculum: what should students learn and experience?
4. Teachers and Leaders: What makes great teachers and school leaders?
5. Resources: What really matters?
6. Student Development: How to influence the attitudes, minds and hearts of young people?
7. School Culture: What makes a thriving school culture and environment?
8. Community: How can schools effectively engage with their community?
9. The Future: How to prepare students for the future