A New Model To Evaluate Schools Nicholas Pole
ERO Chief Executive
Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti, seated third from left, with the Hillcrest High School and ERO leadership teams: Principal Kelvin Whiting is seated second from left, and ERO evaluation partner Neil Harray is seated first on the left
2021 brings a big year for the Education Review Office, and for the sector. Under our new Operating Model, ERO is delivering major changes in the way we work with schools through shifting from event-based external reviews to supporting each school in a process of continuous improvement. This is the year that the rubber hits the road – when we move from the concept of the new schools Operating Model to reality. In moving to a new way of working, we will be building longterm relationships with schools. We are responding to what the sector has long asked for, as well as the way ERO itself has been wanting to work with schools. This new approach is responsive to the needs of ALL involved in the sector, and we are keenly aware of our responsibility to make it work – for every learner in Aotearoa. It will have its challenges, but with challenge comes opportunity and I feel privileged to be part of the most exciting opportunity in ERO’s history. What is the new Operating Model? This more differentiated approach will use a developmental evaluation that reflects individual schools’ context, culture and
needs. It aims to strengthen the capability of all schools through embedding a continuous improvement approach, strengthening schools’ own engagement with and accountability to whānau. An ERO evaluation partner will work alongside each school, to build a professional relationship with each school over time. The model allows us to better align the particular strengths of our evaluation partners to each school and principal. The evaluation partner will have a focus on connecting with each school’s strategic planning and reporting cycle as part of an ongoing improvement journey. S/he will support schools to build and sustain high-quality evaluation as part of their planning for improvement focus. Consideration of a school within its wider network and community is woven throughout the new Operating Model, which will also identify an opportunity to undertake evaluations at a community level. ERO will become an evaluation partner, to support every school to be a great school and every child a success. We are listening and learning In a test and learn approach starting in Term 4 last year, we
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