learning matters (nz)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tolley Reduces the Toll of ERO
The suggestion by the Minister of Education, Anne Tolley, that ERO should target its resources away from high schools with strong ERO reviews to those with poorer ones, is a triumph for common sense. And hopefully for the schools involved, if managed correctly.
Accountability is essential, especially in the public sector. Without the immediacy of financial 'bottom lines', we need something that will drive performance instead. This ensures that we make the best use of scarce resources to maximise outcomes, in this case student learning.
In good schools this drive exists and is supported by effective systems. Such schools regularly review their systems and outcomes. Are their students achieving in formal and informal assessments? Is the school communicating effectively with parents? Are students safe? Are they delivering the best curriculum to their students?
These are just some of the questions asked by a good quality school. And by good quality faculties, and individual teachers. These schools, faculties, and staff are alive and pursuing the best for their students.
ERO reviews are time-consuming for schools and their staff. They are very useful, but as others suggest, let good quality schools focus their resources on what really counts ... teaching and learning. And let ERO use its resources and expertise to help those schools who need it.
Accountability is essential, especially in the public sector. Without the immediacy of financial 'bottom lines', we need something that will drive performance instead. This ensures that we make the best use of scarce resources to maximise outcomes, in this case student learning.
In good schools this drive exists and is supported by effective systems. Such schools regularly review their systems and outcomes. Are their students achieving in formal and informal assessments? Is the school communicating effectively with parents? Are students safe? Are they delivering the best curriculum to their students?
These are just some of the questions asked by a good quality school. And by good quality faculties, and individual teachers. These schools, faculties, and staff are alive and pursuing the best for their students.
ERO reviews are time-consuming for schools and their staff. They are very useful, but as others suggest, let good quality schools focus their resources on what really counts ... teaching and learning. And let ERO use its resources and expertise to help those schools who need it.
posted by learning matters (nz) at 1:11 PM
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