Association of School and College Leader

Association of School and College Leaders Supporting School Leaders to Deliver ChangeGavin BoydChief Executive (Designate)Education & Skills Authority (ESA)4 November 2009 : 

Association of School and College Leaders Supporting School Leaders to Deliver ChangeGavin BoydChief Executive (Designate)Education & Skills Authority (ESA)4 November 2009

Why Change? : 

Why Change? Variability of outcomes for young people Need to modernise and streamline administration

Why ESA? : 

Why ESA? A single organisation with a clear and unambiguous responsibility to support you in achieving better outcomes for pupils Shifting the balance of resources from the centre to schools Greater focus on the pupil Equality of access to excellent provision

Why Improve Outcomes? : 

Why Improve Outcomes? We have many examples of excellent performance in our schools, however ….. Significant differences in performance of post-primary schools: Often in similar areas/circumstances; and Differences across and within sectors International comparisons: PISA studies show a downward trend NI has among the widest variations in performance in pupils in maths, reading and science

NI Grammar Schools % of year 14 pupils achieving 3 or more A levels (or equivalent) at grades A-C (4 year average) by % pupils eligible for Free School Meals 2007/08 : 

NI Grammar Schools % of year 14 pupils achieving 3 or more A levels (or equivalent) at grades A-C (4 year average) by % pupils eligible for Free School Meals 2007/08

Performance in NI Grammar Schools, % of year 12 pupils achieving 7 or more GCSEs (A*-C) by % of pupils eligible for Free School Meals, 2007/8 : 

Performance in NI Grammar Schools, % of year 12 pupils achieving 7 or more GCSEs (A*-C) by % of pupils eligible for Free School Meals, 2007/8

How? : 

How? A sharp focus on teaching and learning in individual classes - This is the prime responsibility of teachers and Principals Therefore the focus must be on: - identification and dissemination of good practice - identification of poor practice and supporting improvement

Whose Responsibility? : 

Whose Responsibility? The individual teacher The Head of Department The Principal The Board of Governors

What Does Support Look Like? : 

What Does Support Look Like? What we teach – curriculum, specification, content How we teach – pedagogy Have to focus on specific needs What does international best practice look like? Some concerns

What Will ESA Offer You? : 

What Will ESA Offer You? Support leadership development at all levels Disseminate best practice Provide benchmarking information Provide access to appropriate training and professional qualifications Critical friend for school leaders i.e. give clear direction, listen and respond Celebrate and reward success; identify and address underachievement Provide easy, local access to support services

Your role in Shaping Services : 

Your role in Shaping Services You identify the help you require – allowing us to provide focussed support to you and your teachers We will listen and act upon your views on our services A consultative approach to developing services- building on the work of ELBs and CCMS Our aim is to support and challenge you – not to interfere in the running of your schools

A Regional Service – Delivered Locally : 

A Regional Service – Delivered Locally Education services planned and managed at a regional level to ensure consistency in approach Multi-disciplinary local teams working directly with you to provide support and advice on a day to day basis Local managers will also provide a local contact for you to deal with any issues or concerns quickly and effectively Local managers will report to the Director of Education Quality and Standards

Local Teams – Key Features : 

Local Teams – Key Features Closely linked to local government areas Multi-disciplinary/strong local knowledge Regular contact with schools and youth providers A named, single point of contact A champion for the needs of the learner Ensure adherence to DE/ESA policies and standards Provide assessments of need in their local areas within an agreed framework Provide support, advice, and facilitation for collaboration among schools and other providers Provide liaison with local councils and other public services on a range of issues

Managing the Change : 

Managing the Change Service continuity is top of our agenda On Day One of ESA, schools should expect ‘business as usual’ Changes will be introduced in a phased manner When changes to the services are being made you will be informed well in advance Some communications in coming weeks around administrative matters

Latest Developments : 

Latest Developments Chairman and 6 Directors appointed Deputy Director Structure at advanced stage 1st Education Bill – Committee Stage complete Going to Consideration Stage Education Committee has commenced scrutiny of the draft 2nd Bill

Questions/Comments : 

Questions/Comments gavin.boyd@deni.gov.uk www.esani.org.uk