School Self-Evaluation Seminar for Post-Primary School Principals 2012 Session 1

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Overview of seminar Session – SSE : Context and Rationale Introduction and overview of School Self-Evaluation Guidelines and 6 step process Reflection; where are we now? – 11.15Coffee Session – SSE through the lens of Literacy – working through the process Spotlight on Target Setting Reflection – The process in action – 1.45Lunch Session – 3.15 SSE through the lens of Numeracy – working through the process Reflection; where to next?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Session 1 objectives To introduce the School Self –Evaluation Guidelines for Post-Primary Schools To provide a rationale for school self - evaluation To set the context for school self-evaluation To outline the school self-evaluation process

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Reflection.. What questions do you currently have about planning for and implementing the self - evaluation process in your school?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, What is in it for your school?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, School Self- Evaluation External Evaluation School Improvement

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, A reframing of the SDP process 4. Implementation and monitoring 2. Prioritise and set target(s) 3. Action Plan 1. Review 5. Evaluation Gather solid evidence Analyse it Make judgements

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Introducing the Guidelines Click here to access on-line

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Key Messages The primary purpose of school self-evaluation is to improve the quality of learner outcomes School self-evaluation is an internal, reflective process of school review which requires schools to examine their practice honestly and critically The gathering of evidence to justify and to inform action planning for improvement is a fundamental principle of school self-evaluation

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, To summarise…

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Broad requirements build on the existing SDP process evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in literacy, numeracy and at least one other aspect of T & L over the four year period from 2012/13 to 2015/16 write a short SSE report for the area examined devise a SIP for aspects of practice identified for improvement in the area examined First SIP to be in place by June 2013 Each subject department to engage in self-evaluation with a specific focus on the area selected.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, The Teaching and Learning Quality Framework 12 Teaching & Learning Learner outcomes Learning experiences Teachers’ practices Theme

Getting started; using the teaching and learning framework Page 24 / 25

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, The Teaching and Learning Quality Framework 14 Teaching & Learning Learner outcomes Learning experiences Teachers’ practices Attainment of curriculum objectives Learning environment Engagement in learning Learning to learn Preparation for teaching Teaching approaches Management of students Assessment Theme Sub-themes

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Towards the Six-Step Process : a recap Engage in collaborative staff reflection using Fig 3.3 P. 25 Consider questions on pg. 12 to guide discussion Consult readily available assessment records and results of standardised tests Select subthemes to be evaluated using the evaluation criteria (Chapter 4) Begin the six-step school self-evaluation process through the lens of the subthemes selected

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Key steps in the SSE Process

Considerations Mixture of data Quantitative Qualitative Triangulation of data Gather enough that is relevant and sufficiently informs the line of enquiry in order to avoid overload and facilitate effective analysis

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, The Teaching and Learning Quality Framework 18 Teaching & Learning Learner outcomes Learning experiences Teachers’ practices Standardised/ STen scores, CAT, SEC, copies, class tests, attitudinal survey Questionnaires Learning log Observation Focus group Questionnaires Theme Evidence

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, What is this evidence telling us ? What are our findings? Any clear areas of strength/areas in need of improvement emerging? How do our findings fit with our current views? Analyse evidence using evaluation criteria/quality statements

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Under the subthemes selected, use the relevant evaluation criteria/quality statement based on identified strengths and areas for improvement Judge overall quality by indicating the school’s current position along the continuum Judgements made against the criteria or quality statements must be based on the information or evidence gathered

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SSE Reports should be no longer than 2 / 3 pages Page 63

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SSE must result in the setting of specific targets towards action for improvement – keep plans short! Page 68 P 68

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Building in time for monitoring and review allows for adjustments to be made and ensures SSE is a living process Who? What? When? How? Who? What? When? How?

Provides focus Provides direction

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Inclusive Schools : fundamental principles Inclusion Differentiation Team Teaching

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, One school’s story

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Reflection Take time now to consider your school’s current position with regard to SSE. Discuss and share where you are at and share your experiences or plans.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Key Messages The primary purpose of school self-evaluation is to improve the quality of learner outcomes School self-evaluation is an internal, reflective process of school review which requires schools to examine their practice honestly and critically The gathering of evidence to justify and to inform action planning for improvement is a fundamental principle of school self-evaluation

School Self-Evaluation Seminar for Post-Primary School Principals 2012 Session 2

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Objectives Session 2 To illustrate the 6 step SSE process through the lens of a literacy example To provide specific guidance in the area of Target Setting

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Literacy Literacy includes the capacity to read, understand and critically appreciate various forms of communication including spoken language, printed text, broadcast media, and digital media. (Literacy & Numeracy for Learning and Life 2011, p.8)

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Literacy Worked example School Biography All girls voluntary secondary school Under the trusteeship of CEIST 700 students 45 teachers Urban 20 feeder-schools Literacy core team in place

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Senior Management SSE Training Senior Management SSE Training Link Teacher Literacy Training Link Teacher Literacy Training WHOLE STAFF Science Modern Foreign Languages Modern Foreign Languages Core Team Business Maths History & Geography Practical Subjects & PE Careers & SEN Careers & SEN English & Irish English & Irish Link Model SUBJECT DEPARTMENTS

Literacy example Attainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in learning Teaching approaches The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan,

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, What do you want to find out? THEMELearner Outcomes Learning experience Teachers’ Practice SUB-THEMEAttainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in Learning Teaching Approaches QUESTIONS BASED ON EVALUATION CRITERIA Attainment? Progress? Literacy skills? Attitude to literacy? Active? Motivated? Collaborative? Independent? Methods? Resources? ICT? TOOLS1. STen scores 2. JC & LC results 3. Students work 4. Questionnaire5. Questionnaire

Guiding staff reflection

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, th class report cards

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, st Year Reading Sten Score Analysis

School National Well below average below av average average above av well above average Click here to access on-line

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Other Assessment Data What most schools are doing? Click here for an overview of information on standardised testing in primary & post- primary schools in Ireland. Link to presentation ………………

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of State Exams JC ANALYSIS TOOL LC ANALYSIS TOOL LCA/LCVP ANALYSIS TOOL Click to access on-line

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of JC & LC Subject X

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Scanning 6 th class report cards Screen shot of report card Link to circular

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SEC Chief Examiners Report JC Geography 2011 Ensure that students are aware of the difference between description, explanation & effects. To this end students could be encouraged to develop descriptions & explanations both in their class work & homework.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Sample editing/writing checklist devised by the whole staff SatisfactoryNot satisfactory Spelling – fewer than 3 errors Punctuation & Grammar – fewer than 3 errors Sequencing (new paragraphs/bullet point used for new ideas in correct order) Vocabulary (general & subject specific) Clearly used Structure of sentence/answer – full sentences used/answers developed to the standard required by the question.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Samples of student’s work from a range of subjects

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of students’ written work from a sample across the curriculum

Sample questionnaire for students

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan,

Student Survey Strengths 50% read for more than 1 hr. 60% reading fiction & magazines Students experience a variety of variety of methodologies. Students are confident working in pairs & groups Priorities for improvement Very few students believe that their writing is legible & even fewer edit their own work. More students prefer to write on facebook than other genres. A general lack of confidence in speaking in class discussions.

Sample questionnaire for teachers

Teachers Survey Strengths 54% of teachers are using comprehension strategies Cooperative learning strategies being used. Use of multiple text types i.e. broadcast & digital media. Clear focused feedback is given to students Priorities for improvement Further use of comprehension strategies by all teachers Agreed success criteria shared with students for improving writing process is clearly needed. Questioning techniques to improve verbal & written answers.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Activity Identify strengths and areas for improvement from the evidence you have been allocated Collate strengths and areas for improvement using the diagnostic window

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, THEMELearner OutcomesLearning Experiences Teachers’ Practice SUBTHEMEAttainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in learning Teaching approaches Evaluation criteriap. 30p. 34p. 40 Consult appropriate evaluation criteria to support your analysis

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Checking In Recording findings, strengths and areas for improvement Benchmarking the findings for the identified themes/subthemes with the relevant evaluation criteria/quality statement

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan,

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, School Improvement Plan Image of report

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Targets Improvement targets may relate to any aspect of pupils’ achievement, including their knowledge, skills and their attitudes. ( SSE Guidelines p.61 )

SMART Targets Specific - focus on student learning outcomes Measurable – clear and precise Attainable - reflect ability and needs of students- appropriately challenging / ambitious Realistic – to both school context, baseline data and specific actions Timed - allowing time for planned actions to be implemented

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Language of targets

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, A useful formula … An example: To decrease (verb) the number of students who stated that they did not like writing (thing effected) from 16% (baseline) to 13% (level intended) by May 2013 from 13% to 10 % by May 2014 from 10% to 7% by May 2015 TARGETS NEED TO REFLECT A SCHOOLS INTENTION TO IMPROVE ON ITS PREVIOUS BEST

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, School Improvement Plan Image of report

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Who? What? When? How? Who? What? When? How?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, One school’s story

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Reflect and discuss In what way has this activity developed your understanding of use of evaluation methods/tools data analysis and interpretation writing an SSE report devising a school improvement plan to include targets? In what way has this activity developed your understanding of use of evaluation methods/tools data analysis and interpretation writing an SSE report devising a school improvement plan to include targets?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Key Messages The primary purpose of school self-evaluation is to improve the quality of learner outcomes School self-evaluation is an internal, reflective process of school review which requires schools to examine their practice honestly and critically The gathering of evidence to justify and to inform action planning for improvement is a fundamental principle of school self-evaluation

School Self-Evaluation Seminar for Post-Primary School Principals 2012 Session 3

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Objectives Session 3 To consolidate the six step SSE process through the lens of a numeracy example To provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on and consider next steps

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Numeracy Numeracy encompasses the ability to use mathematical understanding and skills to solve problems and meet the demands of day-to-day living in complex social settings. (Literacy & Numeracy for Learning and Life 2011, p.8)

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Numeracy worked example School Biography DEIS Mixed Urban 300 students 15% EAL students TY & LCA & JCSP

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Senior Management SSE Training Senior Management SSE Training Link Teacher Numeracy Training Link Teacher Numeracy Training WHOLE STAFF Science Modern Foreign Languages Modern Foreign Languages Core Team Business Maths History & Geography Practical Subjects Careers & SEN Careers & SEN English & Irish English & Irish Link Model SUBJECT DEPARTMENTS

Numeracy example Attainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in learning Teaching approaches The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan,

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, What do you want to find out? THEMELearner Outcomes Learning experience Teachers’ Practice SUB-THEMEAttainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in Learning Teaching Approaches QUESTIONS BASED ON EVALUATION CRITERIA Attainment? Progress? Numeracy skills? Attitude to numeracy? Active? Motivated? Collaborative? Independent? Methods? Consistency? Whole school approach? TOOLS1. CAT scores 2. JC & LC results 3. Maths Competency Test 4. Questionnaire5. Focus group with numeracy schedule prompt question

Guiding Staff Reflection

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of CAT scores

School National Well below average…………………………….average….…………………………… well above average Maths Click here to access on-line

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of State Exams

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Analysis of JC & LC Maths

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Maths Competency Test Bar chart showing the percentage of students who answered questions correctly Target: 80% of cohort to achieve proficiency Click here for sample test

Sample questionnaire for students

Student Survey Strengths 52% of students like maths 57% of students check their answers 79% said there was usually more than one way to work out a problem Students are engaging in independent & cooperative learning 81% believe they need maths after school Priorities for improvement Only 15% of students felt that teachers had a positive attitude to maths Only 11% of students said they are good at figuring out questions they have not seen before 29% of students said they are not good at explaining maths in their own words

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Activity Identify strengths and areas for improvement from the evidence you have been allocated Collate strengths and areas for improvement using the diagnostic window

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, THEMELearner OutcomesLearner Experiences Teachers’ Practice SUBTHEMEAttainment of curriculum objectives Engagement in learning Teaching approaches Evaluation criteriap. 30p. 34p. 40 Consult appropriate evaluation criteria to support your analysis

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Checking In Recording findings, strengths and areas for improvement Identifying themes/subthemes emerging from the findings Benchmarking the findings for the identified themes/subthemes with the relevant evaluation criteria/quality statement

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SSE Reports should be no longer than 2 / 3 pages 1. Introduction 1.1 The focus of the evaluation 1.2 School context 2. The findings 3. Progress made on previously-identified improvement targets 4. Summary of school self-evaluation findings 4.1 Our school has strengths in the following areas: (List the main strengths of the school with regard to teaching and learning)) 4.2 Thefollowing areas are prioritised for improvement: (Specify the aspects of teaching and learning that need to be improved) 4.3 The following legislative and regulatory requirements need to be addressed. (Specify the aspects that need to be addressed)

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, School Improvement Plan Image of report

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Who? What? When? How? Who? What? When? How?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Broad requirements build on the existing SDP process evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in literacy, numeracy and at least one other aspect of T & L over the four year period from 2012/13 to 2015/16 write a short SSE report for the area examined devise a SIP for aspects of practice identified for improvement in the area examined First SIP to be in place by June 2013 Each subject department to engage in self-evaluation with a specific focus on the area selected.

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Example of a roadmap for the next 4 years Year /13 Year /14 Year /15 Year /16 Literacy Gather evidence SIP in place by June 2013 Implement SIP for Literacy Implement SIP for Numeracy Implement SIP for other area Numeracy Gather evidence SIP in place by June 2014 Continue to implement and monitor SIP for Literacy Continue to implement and monitor SIP for Literacy and SIP for Numeracy Other Area Gather evidence SIP in place by June 2015

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, One school’s story

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Reflect … what next? In light of today’s seminar what actions do you need consider in the short term medium term long term? In light of today’s seminar what actions do you need consider in the short term medium term long term?

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Remaining Questions

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SSE: Support for schools Department of Education and Skills: Inspectorate

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Support yourselves Plan for SSE – link it to your existing school improvement agenda Integrate SSE into the day to day life of your school Allow time Share the tasks Acknowledge your context

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, SSE: What’s in it for schools? SSE affirms what is already working SSE ensures that plans for improvement are rooted in evidence SSE trusts and supports teachers as professionals SSE acknowledges school context SSE provides schools with a logical review framework SSE is inclusive of all voices SSE can significantly improve student learning “Self-evaluation is the crucial mechanism for achieving any kind of school improvement” (MacBeath, 1999:153)

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, Key Messages The primary purpose of school self-evaluation is to improve the quality of learner outcomes School self-evaluation is an internal, reflective process of school review which requires schools to examine their practice honestly and critically The gathering of evidence to justify and to inform action planning for improvement is a fundamental principle of school self-evaluation

The PDST is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan, LINKS TO CIRCULARS & DOCUMENTS 1.National Strategy for Literacy & NumeracyNational Strategy for Literacy & Numeracy 2.Summary of StrategySummary of Strategy 3.DES SSE Guidelines for Post-primary SchoolsDES SSE Guidelines for Post-primary Schools 4.Department Circular 0056/2011 (re: transfer of data)Department Circular 0056/ Department Circular 0025/2012 (re: implementation of L & N strategy)Department Circular 0025/2012 (re: implementation of L & N strategy 6.Department Circular 0040/2012 (re: implementation of SSE)Department Circular 0040/2012 (re: implementation of SSE) 7.Report Card Templates (primary school)Report Card Templates 8.NCCA Information re analysing standardised testsNCCA Information re analysing standardised tests 9.NEPS resource pack for PP teachersNEPS resource pack for PP teachers 10.DES approved post-primary assessmentsDES approved post-primary assessments