In a series of essays and papers, prominent academics in the field of education try to provide answers and solutions to the problem of underachievement, particularly by Maori and Pasifika children, and why poverty is such a major contributor.
Prof Ivan Snook, of Massey University, provides the opening chapter, which in my book says it all, although some of the following quotes are taken from third party sources:
''The largest source of variation in student learning is attributable to differences in what students bring to school.''
''Family SES (economic status) at birth substantially shapes the child's educational attainment.''
''Home background in developed countries accounts for between 70-80% of the variance in school achievement.''
In other words, teacher excellence or otherwise makes little difference to the educational achievement of children from poorer homes, although that's only one side of the argument, as further essays in Twelve Thousand Hours demonstrate.
Community efforts can make a difference, especially when it comes to providing ''extras'' such as food for hungry children, family support initiatives and medical and dental care; a school in Gisborne being a shining example.
Readers also won't be surprised to learn bureaucratic stuff-ups are endemic.
One example: pre-school children with no access to pre-school facilities being bussed from South Auckland to privately owned pre-schools in distant suburbs, ''irrespective of their ability to enhance Pacific language and culture''.
Naturally, readers will draw their own conclusions.
My own feelings on the subject of education and poverty in New Zealand are drawn from experiences during a two-year teacher training course in 1995-96.
I can't say I ever saw any obvious poverty, but I did notice how attitudes towards education differ between races.
I doubt that hunger had anything to do with it.
Altogether an interesting and thought-provoking book for educationalists and lay people alike.
• Ian Williams is a Dunedin writer and composer.
