Thursday, January 29, 2009
Innovation leads to improvement
A new report from Ofsted explores the features of successful curriculum innovation.
The report from Ofsted focuses on the use of curriculum innovation in schools and the impact it has on pupil achievement and development when implemented effectively.
The Ofsted study followed 12 Primary, 16 Secondary and 2 Special Schools through the process of implementing some form of curriculum innovation in their school. As well as looking at the school projects, a focus group of staff from 6 Primary schools and 3 local authorities was used to inform the findings of the research.
The key finding from the report should give confidence to schools wishing to embark on any form of innovation. "In most of the 30 schools visited, the innovation led to clear improvement in pupils' achievement and personal development".
Successful innovation was linked to strong leadership of the project and secure understanding of the aims of the innovation by all staff. This leadership is essential to overcome what the report concludes are the barriers to success with innovation: staff anxiety about the risks associated with initiatives such as impact on exam results and Inspection findings.
Other factors in a successful approach to managing and implementing curriculum innovation were detailed planning, including research into theories of learning and carefully designed Professional Development programmes for staff. Those programmes could begin by reassuring school leaders and teachers of the benefits of innovation by referring to Ofsted's report.
The report identifies 3 key recommendations for schools planning curriculum innovation.
1. Be clear about why change is necessary and its intended benefits,
2. Research widely to ensure changes are suitable, necessary and appropriate to meet learner's needs,
3. Ensure that there is strong leadership at all levels to support innovation and that everyone involved understands clearly the rationale for it.