SICI GA 2012 Prague Facing 21 st Century Challenges in Education Implications of OECD Study Graham Donaldson

4 KEY POINTS OECD study matters and we need to make best use of it To do that we need to understand: ourselves – influences on us, what is expected of us, what forms might we take educational trends drivers and processes of change Certain key words run through the OECD findings We can use the OECD study to shape the educational future in our various countries

Implications of OECD Study Authoritative and comprehensive world perspective Covers key areas of interest to inspection Provides benchmarking evidence for judgements Highlights areas of common difficulty Offers insights into what and how to improve

How can we make best use of it?

Influences on inspection Culture/tradition Political environment – national / local / professional Governance Resource State of education

Inspection Traditions Control/compliance with statute/policy Teachers School Agent of accountability to stakeholders Improvement Hybrids

Plasticity of Inspection Assurer ‘Best buy’ guide Mitigator of risk Catalyst Capacity builder Partnership builder Agenda setter

Trends in Educational Policy Central to broader government policy – innovation the norm Increased expectations – scope, relevance, standards Inputs to outcomes – data dominance International benchmarking Increased school autonomy Focus on teacher quality Multiple accountabilities Viral ideas

Lessons from High-Performing Systems Clarity of purpose – values and curriculum High expectations of achievement Enabling all young people to achieve their potential Emphasis on early learning High quality teachers Culture of professional learning High quality leadership at all levels Outward looking with a strong culture of innovation Intelligent accountability Reflective and self-evaluative

“..many of today’s schools have not caught up as they continue to operate as they did in the earlier decades of the 20 th Century. “How can learning within and outside schools be reconfigured in environments that foster the deeper knowledge and skills so crucial in our new century?” “To succeed in this is not only important for a successful economy, but also for effective cultural and social participation and for citizens to live fulfilling lives.” OECD 2008

Search for Success Early focus on expansion of provision 1960/70s alphabet soup curriculum reform Standards movement - measurement mania School effectiveness Professional conspiracies – competition & inspection Teachers Matter - “It’s the teacher, stupid” A new synthesis?

Purpose Balance Alignment Synergies Capacity Focus Impact Key words/concepts

School Evaluation What purposes does it serve? How well aligned is it with wider educational and professional policy? What is the balance between self evaluation and externality? Are those involved competent? Is there a common language and are there agreed indicators/criteria? Does it focus on what matters? (if it’s not happening in the classroom it’s not happening – Elmore) Does it make a difference? (in the capacity of the school to serve its young people)

Implications for SICI Members Use to review aspects of current practice Disseminate messages to inspectors Be proactive in explaining implications for policy

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