The evidence paper was originally published 15 July 2022, the summary and discussion guide was originally published August 2022, and the illustrations of practice was originally published 22 November 2024.

Schools play a central role in the day-to-day educational experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. The commitment of teachers and school leaders to sustained positive change is a critical factor in ensuring Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students have access to high-quality learning environments. This suite of resources have been developed to support teachers and school leaders to enact this commitment.

Strong strides together evidence paper

The paper begins by outlining current policies and frameworks that should inform teachers and school leaders when working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. These policies and frameworks provide the foundation for promoting the success of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in school.

The paper then outlines the evidence for 4 underlying themes that can support teachers and school leaders to create high-quality learning environments and meet the educational goals for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students (Kindergarten to Year 12):

• culturally safe schools
• culturally responsive teaching
• positive relationships
• personalised learning.

A summary of the evidence for each theme is accompanied by practical pathways that teachers and school leaders can implement in their schools.

Strong strides together summary and discussion guide

This summary and discussion guide has been developed by CESE in collaboration with Aboriginal Education and Communities (AEC) to complement the Strong strides together evidence paper (the evidence paper). It provides a high‑level overview of the evidence paper, and questions designed to prompt reflection and promote conversations about the evidence paper among school leaders and teachers.

Strong strides together illustrations of practice

This resource explores what 8 of the key pathways from the evidence paper look like in practice across a diverse range of NSW public schools. School leaders and teachers can draw inspiration from the illustrations of practice in this resource by considering how the key pathways may be adapted and implemented in their school, with the support of other school staff.