This research programme was completed as part of the Ministry of Education developmental project, Achievement Initiative in Multicultural High Schools. Eight decile one schools (seven in Auckland and one in Wellington), with high ratios of Pacific Island students, participated in the research. The selected schools also had significant numbers of Maori students. The purpose of the research was to identify what things impact on student achievement, inlcuding the effects of school organisation and governance and parental and community ivolvement, so that opportunities for students can be improved. Data was obtained from school documents, principals, senior management, teachers, support staff, students from years 9 to 14, trustees, and Maori and Pacific parents. National data on achievement was also analysed. Discussion with students revealed that physical abuse was seen as the norm rather than the exception, and there was also significant disclosure of sexual abuse. Among a number of different variables, abuse was seen as having an impact on students' attitudes towards their learning. The report concludes with discussion on future action concerning the issues raised by the research.

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