Reigniting the passion for learning: A systematic attempt in Taipei

Despite being ranked highly, the 2012 PISA result shows that the M-shape distribution of Taiwanese students is top of the 65 participating countries. This shows that the gap between high and low achievers in Taiwanese schools is the biggest. This paper aims at exploring Taipei's responses to this M-shape phenomenon. It starts from mapping out the context of education reform in Taiwan and introducing measures of helping to ensure equity in education in order to close the gap between high and low achievers. Following this, the data collection process is described and the researcher's reflections are provided. The discussion then moves to recent initiatives on reshaping school culture such as through school-based programs, establishing the Curriculum Development Circle, and on reclaiming teacher professionalism and cultivating the passion for learning among learners at senior high schools in Taipei. This paper offers international readers insights into attempts to strike an equilibrium between maintaining high performance and striving for equity in Taipei.