Michael Absolum ONZM

Michael is the founder and director of Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga and a thought leader in assessment for learning. He is the author of Clarity in the Classroom which is recognised by teachers as the best New Zealand text on assessment for learning.

Michael directed the Consortium for Professional Learning (CPL) Leadership and Assessment PLD in the Ministry of Education’s Southern, Central South and Northern regions. This is an innovative whole school programme designed to support school leadership to accelerate student achievement, particularly for Māori, Pasifika and students with special education needs.  He is also the co-national lead for the Ministry of Education’s Māori-medium aromatawai (assessment) project.

Michael has a deep knowledge of the New Zealand education system and what it takes to lead an effective school, create inspired and inspiring teachers and enable students to become powerful engaged learners.  He is also one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded evaluators.

In the past, Michael has held positions as a teacher, a psychologist, and with the Education Review Office. For the last 15 years he has consulted to schools and the wider education system through Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga, leading many highly successful professional development programmes.  He has been regularly called upon for high level advice and was a co-author of the influential 2009 paper, Directions for Assessment in New Zealand (DANZ), commissioned by the Ministry of Education.

Michael has a Master’s degree in science and a post-graduate diploma in educational psychology from Auckland University.

When he switches off he hits golf balls, cycles, drinks good wine and catches fish. And laughs.