Book Review: Rural School Improvement in Developing Countries, Zhao, Y., & Liu, J. (Eds) (2024). Springer Singapore

John Halsey

doi:10.47381/aijre.v35i1.778

Book Review

Rural School Improvement in Developing Countries, Zhao, Y., & Liu, J. (Eds) (2024). Springer Singapore

Authors

John Halsey Flinders University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i1.778

Keywords:

school improvement, developing countries, teacher development, marginalised children

Abstract

Rural School Improvement in Developing Countries edited by Yuchi Zhao and Jing Liu (2024), examines rural school improvement programs implemented in four developing countries, including China, Myanmar, Uganda, and Kenya (noting that while China is not a developing country, it has rural regions that could be comparable to the other regions discussed). The book analyses research questions related to problems faced by rural schools in these countries, approaches or models adopted to improve these rural schools, specific interventions to address the problems and their effectiveness, and lessons learnt from these programs. The book is ‘open access’, which makes it an accessible reference for anyone wanting background information about international rural education policies and strategies.

Author Biography

John Halsey, Flinders University

Dr John Halsey commenced his career as a teacher, and was a principal of two schools in South Australia - Ceduna Area School and The Heights School (both reception to year 12, one rural, one metropolitan). He has been the Associate Director of the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia, an Executive Director in the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services and a Chief of Staff to a State Minister for Education and Children's Services. He has also worked as an Educational Facilities Project Officer and for the Australian School's Commission Choice and Diversity in Education initiative. He is the former Executive Officer of the Rural Education Forum Australia, and a consultant with the Center for RelationaLearning, Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 2017, John conducted a review into regional, rural and remote education for the Australian Government. He transmitted his report to the Government in January 2018. In his report, John argued the key challenge for regional, rural and remote education is ensuring, regardless of location or circumstances, that every young person has access to high quality schooling and opportunities. To meet this challenge, John identified 4 overarching priorities, 11 recommendations and 53 specific actions. In the 2018-19 budget, the Australian Government allocated $96.1 million over 4 years as an initial response to the Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education.

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Published

11-03-2025

How to Cite

Halsey, J. (2025). Book Review: Rural School Improvement in Developing Countries, Zhao, Y., & Liu, J. (Eds) (2024). Springer Singapore. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 35(1), 104–107. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i1.778

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Issue

Vol. 35 No. 1 (2025): Rural Education for Regional and Community Development

Section

BOOK REVIEW

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