Effective Tools and Protocols for Improvement
The research “Effective Tools and Protocols for Improvement” analyses, in a sample of schools, tools and protocols already experimented in the projects VSQ – Evaluation for the development of the quality of the Schools and VALes – Evaluation and school development. The research aim is to clarify how these instruments and protocols can be used within the national evaluation system.
In order to support the schools in improvement actions, Indire produced:
- the improvement plan format, i.e. a design document that accompanies schools in all steps, from planning to the action evaluation;
- useful tools for consultants for the improvement to be used during the most delicate phases of the process, such as the transition from self-assessment to the declination of strategic objectives and the selection of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the activated processes;
- the guides to the improvement plan and its tools and the glossary.
In addition, INDIRE has selected some expert teachers, with prior knowledge and experience of assessment processes and school improvement. The accompanying protocol has provided six in person meetings throughout the school year, in each school. This support action aims to help the improvement team, offering a qualified help to plan the intervention, monitor the process of improvement during its implementation, and offer an outside support to the internal process.
The cultural background that has guided the operative choices was set by Total Quality Management and studies on School Improvement and School Effectiveness. According to these theories, improvement is a continuous process that involves the organisation as a whole. School management and staff are called to choose clear and shared improvement objectives, able to change teaching and learning practices. The school as a whole is encouraged to adopt a data-driven approach, where self-assessment or assessment data become necessary sources for the identification of the improvement plan priorities and their monitoring.
The data collection is carried out in person (interviews and focus groups) and by submitting and analysing structured surveys regarding the core improvement objectives and the actors involved in the school. Finally, the school improvement plans will be evaluated in the light of the results achieved.