Your readers may be interested in a new online self-evaluation service we have launched for primary schools in Scotland.
Self-evaluation is a core activity for all schools in planning and implementing ongoing professional development, which HMIE has made clear only this week will be the starting point for all future school inspections.
For many schools, however, there is a significant challenge in delivering self-evaluation with manual, paper-based systems. “AQL for Primary” is a web-based tool which allows all teachers in a school to carry out their own self-evaluation, identify key areas for improvement and create an individual action plan. Information is collated automatically and school managers have instant access to results and analysis.
By automating manual processes, it is possible to reduce dramatically the time and effort school managers spend on this important activity. Teachers are much more engaged in the process, as they receive rapid feedback and have a greater awareness of both their own and the school’s profile. The reporting facility provides valuable information which can contribute to school improvement plans and ensures schools have a clear focus on continuous improvement.
Busy teachers can access their own self-evaluation wherever they have an internet connection, and headteachers have an important resource for presenting results to external stakeholders, such as quality improvement teams and inspectors.
www.howgoodisourschool.co.uk
Jim Watson, director, Sirius Concepts, Auchincruive, Ayr.