The truth is I think we should be really worried about Scottish Education. It used to be a truism that to be educated in Scotland was a sign of excellence,
The latest set of the Reading result was hailed as improving but this improvement was from our previous lowest ever score. Some may object, PISA doesn’t measure anything important? I would ask how would you compare international performance? What is wrong with its findings? Others would suggest you can’t really compare countries. I think this has some validity; for reading Its unlikely a language with a deep orthography (English) will ever be as easy to learn in comparison to languages with swallow orthography (Finish) but the counterpoint is we are doing worse in comparison with ourselves and our nearest neighbours.
If austerity is the cause, why have England bucked the trend? We used to be no1 of the 4 nations for maths, we are scrapping third and if current trends continue we will be fourth next time around. The scrapped SSLN tells a similar story for literacy and numeracy.
What’s this to do with teacher leadership you ask? Everything, we must look at the changes we have brought in since we began teaching with an extremely critical eye, our country is in educational decline.
Programs like the teacher leadership program will help, asking professional to engage in an enquiry project and professional reading, though for me a greater focus on critique is key. The difficultly with teaching is most interventions work but others may have worked more effectively, this must be made clear and we should be sceptical of our own cognitive bias.
We need to base our education system less on the works of philosophers and more of the work of the researchers/scientists. We need a system in Scottish schools similar to progress 8, this way we can start to compare schools on results, not philosophy. If it works we should do more of it If It doesn’t we should do less.
This matters to me, every decline in the system is another poor student left with a life of illiteracy, innumeracy and a locked door to our shared cultural history. Teachers need to lead this battle.
Hi Barry,
Thank you for this final post- it made for stark but insightful reading.
I can’t say I agree all of your points (especially around English league tables) but that’s perhaps a conversation for another time!
What I do wholeheartedly agree with is your belief that teachers should be leading the charge for improving learning and teaching- and practitioner enquiry’s important place in that.
You’ve been an enthusiastic programme participant and your thoughts/posts have been refreshing and stimulating to read.
I hope we’ll see you on another programme in the future- Scottish education needs people like you!
Steph.
It would be boring if we always agreed. Thanks for all your support with the program. I have enjoyed it and a great CPD experience. You have set an excellent example on how to lead A development process . All the best
Barry
Hi Barry
That made for some thoughtful reading. I do hope your predictions about education being in trouble do not come to fruition!
You are right – teachers need to lead the change of tide – wherever it is needed. I have to say I have personally been so proud during the last 14 weeks at the fortitude, innovation and collaboration going on. Perhaps all is not doomed? Just in need of help out of a ‘learning pit’?
I really admire your honesty. with impassioned teachers such as yourself we are in a great position moving forward!
Hi Barry,
Thank you for your reflections – they were very interesting to read. I love that teachers are leading the charge in changing the face of learning and teaching. Some of us are quieter revolutionists – but we are on the sidelines with you!
I have very much enjoyed being part of your journey and wish you well in your next steps.
Thank you
LA