The book is premised upon a research initiative conducted in the Northern Metropolitan Region (NMR) in Melbourne, Australia — an area characterized by relative social and economic disadvantage, where radical reform has seen outstanding results. Bolstered by reference to the broader international experience, Powerful Learning describes in detail the 'inside out' perspective on school improvement, beginning with the central tenet that every student will reach their potential. Standards of literacy and numeracy are recognised as essential but equally so is the instilling of a desire to learn.