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Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

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Page 1: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Presentation to the University of Alberta

in connection with the

Alberta Improving Schools Initiative

25-27 February 2008

Dr Donald Gray

Page 2: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Moves towards an Evidence-based Profession

Presentation at the University of Alberta. 28.02.08

Dr Donald GrayUniversity of Aberdeen

Page 3: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Some UK History

• Lawrence Stenhouse (1975) An Introduction to Curriculum Research and Development

• David Hargreaves, TTA Lecture, 1996.

• Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP), 2000.

• Applied Educational Research Scheme (AERS), 2004.

Page 4: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Globalisation (Mortimore, 2001)

• International comparisons show effects of – motivating staff, focusing on T&L, enhancing the physical environment, changing the culture of the school. However, while many similar strategies used, the different context meant similar actions did not always produce similar results.

• Improvements must fit the grain of society; indiscriminate borrowing from other cultures may not achieve the desired results; there is no ‘quick fix’ for school improvement; change has to be carried out by the school itself.

Page 5: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Teaching and Research

“What constitutes the relevance of research, for instance, depends to a large extent on what questions are being asked, in what context, and for what practical ends.” Davies (1999)

“Teachers engaging in research is a third seed of professional knowledge creation.” Hargreaves (1999)

“…the uniqueness of each classroom setting implies that any proposal needs to be tested and verified and adapted by each teacher in her or his own classroom.” McIntyre (2005)

“The evidence indicates how teachers’ involvement and confidence can be built in expansive learning environments characterised by specialist support, collaborative working, and the development of mutual trust.” Brown (2005)

Page 6: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

The National Debate

• Referendum to establish Scottish Parliament 1997• First Parliamentary elections 1999.• National Debate on Education launched March

2002, it lasted 3 months.• Purpose to develop a policy agenda over the

medium term i.e. beyond the life of the next parliamentary term 2003-2007.

Page 7: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

The National Debate

• At least 800 events• 1517 responses from individuals, small groups

and organisations.• Estimate that 20,000 people participated.• Support packs to aid discussion with 14 open

questions.• Analysed by independent University researchers.

Page 8: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Schools of Ambition:

• first launched in 2005 • set up to support school transformation. • aim to stand out in their locality and nationally,

as innovators and leaders • demonstrate their commitment to making fast-

track improvements • supported by additional funding for three years • focuses principally on secondary schools

Page 9: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Transformational planning

• asked to develop a transformational plan • set out their unique journey to transformation• a clearly articulated vision • identification of outcomes, actions,

timescales and • mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation

Page 10: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Key themes

• Leadership development • Enhancing the curriculum • Developing pupils' confidence and

involvement • Strengthening community engagement

Page 11: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Schools of Ambition research

• supported by an action research strategy

• designed to be led by schools and teachers.

Page 12: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

SoA Research

Two related strands: • University-based researchers are working with

teachers in each School of Ambition to design evaluation strategies to assess the effectiveness of interventions contained in each school’s transformational plan.

• The university-based research team will provide formative feedback to the schools and wider community on the process, progress and impact of initiatives undertaken through the Schools of Ambition programme.

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/schoolsofambition/index.asp

Page 13: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Curriculum Review origins:The National Debate

Support for:– flexibility, breadth and balance– the comprehensive principle

Desire to address:– overcrowding– progression– balance between ‘vocational’ and ‘academic’– preparing young people better for lifelong learning and employment– ensuring that assessment supports learning– increasing choice

Page 14: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

A Curriculum for Excellence

Biggest education reform for a generation:

• More freedom for teachers

• Greater choice and opportunity for pupils

• A single coherent curriculum for all young people aged 3-18

Page 15: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

A Curriculum for Excellence

Goes beyond the provision of guidance on curriculum content. It will have implications for:

• the teaching profession and other staff, • the organisation of the curriculum in our schools and centres, • the qualifications system, • the recognition of wider achievement and • the improvement framework.

Page 16: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Curriculum for Excellence aims to:

• focus classroom practice upon the child and around the four capacities of education: -  successful learners -  confident individuals -  responsible citizens -  effective contributors

• simplify and prioritise the current curriculum• encourage more learning through experiences• create a single framework for the curriculum and

assessment 3-18.

Page 17: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

successful learnerswith•enthusiasm and motivation for learning•determination to reach high standards of achievement•openness to new thinking and ideas

and able to•use literacy, communication and numeracy skills•use technology for learning•think creatively and independently•learn independently and as part of a group•make reasoned evaluations•link and apply different kinds of learning innew situations

confident individualswith•self respect•a sense of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing•secure values and beliefs•ambition

and able to•relate to others and manage themselves•pursue a healthy and active lifestyle•be self aware•develop and communicate their own beliefsand view of the world•live as independently as they can•assess risk and take informed decisions•achieve success in different areas of activity

responsible citizenswith•respect for others•commitment to participate responsibly inpolitical, economic, social and cultural life

and able to•develop knowledge and understanding ofthe world and Scotland’s place in it•understand different beliefs and cultures•make informed choices and decisions•evaluate environmental, scientific andtechnological issues•develop informed, ethical views of complexissues

effective contributorswith•an enterprising attitude•resilience•self-reliance

and able to•communicate in different ways and indifferent settings•work in partnership and in teams•take the initiative and lead•apply critical thinking in new contexts•create and develop•solve problems

To enable all youngpeople to become

Page 18: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

A Curriculum for Excellence

First phase of the programme (April 2005-May 2006)

•initial review of current guidance 3-15

Carried out by small groups of teaching practitioners using evaluative questions and the results of research to explore the implications of simplifying and prioritising the existing curriculum.

Page 19: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

ACfE and Research

Reviews of Research Literature• Literature: Expressive Arts• Literature: Health and Well-being • Literature: Language and Literacy • Literature: Mathematics  • Literature: Science Education • Literature: Social Studies - Modern Studies and

Political Literacy • Design and Technology Education 

Page 20: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Curriculum for Excellence

• Current phase of work is mapping out the overall architecture of the curriculum

• Involves continuing engagement with schools and other establishments

Page 21: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Curriculum for Excellence

Curriculum for Excellence offers the opportunity to unify the curriculum by including initiatives within Scottish education, including

Assessment is for Learning,

Determined to Succeed,

Health Promoting Schools and

Eco Schools.http://www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk/index.asp

Page 22: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Scottish Teachers for a New Era

Page 23: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Change vs Transformation

Context:• Former College of Education. Northern College was the last of

Scotland's monotechnic colleges to be merged with an institution of higher education on December 1, 2001, but remained on a separate campus.

• Move to the main University Campus in the summer of 2005.• No culture of research.• Contract for STNE awarded at the beginning of 2005.

• Implementation of a new (STNE) B.Ed course in October 2005.

Page 24: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

What is STNE ?

Design Principles• Decisions driven by evidence• Engagement with Arts & Sciences• Teaching as an academically taught clinical practice

Key AimsTo develop a :• Teacher for a New Era• New Learning Environment• New Framework for Continuous Learning• New Professional Culture

Page 25: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

What is STNE ?

Transforming initial teacher education, through• Developing ITE Programmes, particularly although not

exclusively, the BEd(P) Programme• Research • Enhanced Partnerships• Developing and contributing to quality professional learning

opportunities for teachers who are mentoring, coaching and assessing student and beginning teachers

Page 26: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

• Pupil learning gains and achievements• Student teacher knowledge and performance• Beginning teacher knowledge and performance• Programme review and development

What is STNE ?

Research: a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners are developing evidence gathering activities related to:

Page 27: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

The engagement of Arts and Sciences• Student teachers gain enhanced subject knowledge through

academic study and learning in Arts and Sciences Faculties/Departments.

Teaching as a clinical profession• To develop a model of teaching as a clinical practice which is

integrated into an extended induction programme.Teaching as an evidence-based profession• Evidence is generated and used routinely within teacher

education• Teachers (inc. beginning teachers) using and generating evidence

of pedagogy to inform practice.

What is STNE ?

Page 28: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Working in partnership to :

Build a seamless continuum of teacher development from pre-service through induction to continuous professional development.

Page 29: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Phase 2 Research Framework

Page 30: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Pupil Gains?

• Debate about what is meant by pupil gains. What kind of gains? E.g. Parsons et al.

• Link to Curriculum for Excellence four capacities.

• Collaboration with LTS in six partner authorities trialling schools.

• Links with Teacher Action Research

Page 31: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

School based A-R projects

B.Ed3A-R classes

Learning from Teacher Action Research

B.Ed4A-R project

B.Ed4B.Ed3

Teacher/B.Ed4 students A-R conference

Training/support for A-R teachers

Baseline pupil measures

Baseline pupil measures

Endpoint pupil measures

Endpoint pupil measures

Baseline pupil measures

Control?

Induction Year

Action Research and Pupil Gains

Page 32: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Making the links?

Initial Teacher Education

Teacher Action Research

Schools of Ambition?

Page 33: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

Scottish Qualification for Headship

The Scottish Qualification for Headship (SQH) Programme is designed to enable candidates to develop the competences they need in order to meet the Standard for Headship in Scotland.

Page 34: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

The Standard for Headship in Scotland

1. Professional Values2. Management Functions

– Managing Learning and Teaching– Managing People– Managing Policy and Planning– Managing Resources and Finance

3. Professional Abilities

THE ELEMENTS OF PRACTICE FOR HEADSHIP

Page 35: Presentation to the University of Alberta in connection with the Alberta Improving Schools Initiative 25-27 February 2008 Dr Donald Gray

References

Brown, S. (2005) How can research inform ideas of good practice in teaching? The contributions of some official initiatives in the UK. Cambridge Journal of Education Vol. 35, No. 3, November 2005, pp. 383–405

Davies, P. (1999) What is Evidence-based Education? British Journal of Educational Studies, 47,2, 108-121.

Davis, Brent & Sumara, Dennis (2007) Complexity Science and Education: Reconceptualizing the Teacher’s Role in Learning Interchange, Vol. 38/1, 53–67, 2007.

Hargreaves, D. (1996) Teaching as a Research-based Profession: possibilities and prospects. The Teacher Training Agency Annual Lecture 1996. (London, Teacher Training Agency).

Hargreaves, D. (1999) The Knowledge Creating School. British Journal of Educational Studies, 47,2, 122-144.

McIntyre, Donald (2005) Bridging the gap between research and practice Cambridge Journal of Education Vol. 35, No. 3, November 2005, pp. 357–382

Mortimore, P. (2001). Globalisation, effectiveness and improvement. School Effectiveness and Improvement, 12 (2), 229-249.

Stenhouse, L. (1975) An Introduction to Curriculum Research and Development. London, Heinemann