School Improvement Partnerships for Equity and Change: A case of balancing science and artistry Christopher Chapman Director, Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change Co-Director, ESRC/Scot Gov What Works Scotland Centre Director of Research, School of Education Creating a more equitable education system

Context- understanding and learning from similarities and difference Art of: Change and Improvement- diverse and rigorous methods Collaboration- rethinking roles and responsibilities Capacity Building- leadership and expertise Cohesion- connecting across policy initiatives SIPP and system change

How important is context?

SIPP change and improvement You are moving SIPP beyond these two distinct traditions… More nuanced approach incorporating strengths from both matched to specific needs and contextual conditions Involves having a repertoire of approaches and methods at your disposal, including:  Collaborative Enquiry  Improvement Science  Instructional Rounds  Lesson study

Lesson Study Cycle: (Process 5.28) (Primary 2.41) (Middle 4.33) (Power 2.16) SIPP change and improvement Setting goals PlanningObserving Debrief and review Repeat O, RD ReflectionSharing

Robinson, V., Hohepa, M. and Lloyd, C. (2009), School Leadership and Student Outcomes: Identifying What Works and Why: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration, Wellington: New Zealand Ministry of Education. The impact of leadership activities on student outcomes SIPP change and improvement

SIPP and collaboration Beyond Between Within Local Authorities HEIs Schools Other stakeholders

Within- school improvement Unrelenting commitment to personal and professional development Ensuring high expectations and strong cultural norms Use of data to inform decision- making Rigorous self- review and accountability mechanisms Focus on spreading leadership and leadership development Combining short-term tactical agendas with longer-term strategic agendas Learning and teaching Collaboration for within- school improvement

Collaboration for between- school improvement Between- school improvement Improved student outcomes Collaborative professional learning In-house tailored support for schools Movement of staff between organisations economies of scale Federated leadership

Beyond- school improvement Coordinated public service provision Pipe- line of support Area- based focus Communication and speedy access to resources Autonomous localised- governance and funding Collaboration for beyond- school improvement

Challenging assumptions and beliefs Changing behaviours and practice Developing expertise within the system Moving existing knowledge and generating new knowledge- accessing existing reservoirs and creating new ones! Making connections to un-tap this potential SIPP and capacity building

Providing a context to create coherence with a range of policy initiatives including: CfE GIRFEC Pathfinder and Raising Attainment Potentially with CPPs and new What Works Centre… Future public sector developments? SIPP and system cohesion

Context- understanding and learning from similarities and difference Art of: Change and Improvement- diverse and rigorous methods Collaboration- rethinking roles and responsibilities Capacity Building- leadership and expertise Cohesion- connecting across policy initiatives SIPP summary