Forging Links: Effective Schools and Effective Departments: Effective Schools, Effective Departments Book

This major new school effectiveness study is a thought-provoking investigation of the concept of secondary school effectiveness. Based on a three-year study of secondary schools' GCSE performance, the authors point to the importance of looking at: trends over time; effectiveness for different groups of students; and subject differences.They highlight the importance of moving beyond `league table approaches' and the need to focus on individual departments using value-added approaches.The book provides a readable account of the research. As well as the analysis of GCSE results for over 17,000 students and 94 schools, detailed case studies of six schools and 30 departments were conducted.Forging Links illustrates the complexities of judging school performance. The findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of the factors and processes which help some schools and departments to enhance student progress. The implications of the research for all concerned with school improvement receive much attention. Policy implications for Government and the Inspection process are highlighted as well as many practical suggestions for the Senior Management team, Heads of Department and classroom teachers.Read More