Schools inspiring change

Research on the practices and behaviours of positive deviant schools in Zanzibar

UNICEF & Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar
Schools inspiring change Cover

This executive summary presents findings from the Data Must Speak (DMS) positive deviance research, a collaboration between UNICEF and Zanzibar's Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT). The research identifies practices and behaviours enabling high-performing 'positive deviant' primary schools to outperform peers in similar contexts. Key findings span five areas: school leadership and management, school climate, community engagement, pedagogical practices, and decentralized administration. Notably, positive deviant schools avoid corporal punishment and foster safe, inclusive environments. The report offers policy recommendations to scale these practices across Zanzibar's education system.

 

Publication date: 2024

Language(s): English