The aim of this guide is to stimulate professional reflection, dialogue and debate about learning and how to improve it, at this time of important curriculum change. It draws together themes, features and characteristics of effective improvement through self-evaluation, and descriptions of good practice. It is a reference point for teachers who…

The aim of this guide is to stimulate professional reflection, dialogue and debate about learning. Education professionals in Scotland are already aware of the key issues relating to learning through the series "Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum," the recent publication "Learning Together: Opening Up Learning"…

The revised edition of "How good is our school?" (HM Inspectorate of Education 2002) has been widely welcomed in schools and authorities. This document is one of a series of guides to self-evaluation that builds on the advice given in "How good is our school?" The materials are designed for staff who have responsibilities…

This document is one of a series of guides to self-evaluation that builds on the advice given in the publication "How good is our school?" (2002 edition). This guide should be used to evaluate the quality of parental partnerships and is designed for use by teachers, managers, education support services, parents and the bodies that…

This guide has been prepared to support planning for improvement in enterprise in education. It has been designed for use by classroom teachers, school managers and staff from a wide range of agencies involved in enterprise in education, reflecting the increasing emphasis on multi-agency approaches and integrated strategies to meet pupils' needs.…

In response to the growing need for addressing continuity in children's learning at transition points, this package of staff development materials was developed to provide support, guidance, and contexts for discussion enabling early years and primary school staff in Scotland to reflect and share information about effective assessment and…

This packet of materials, which draws on findings from research conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education, is designed to help Scottish teachers improve discipline in the primary school and classroom. The packet contains three booklets: (1) "Action on Discipline throughout the School," which concentrates on promoting…

Based on the view that parents' role in their young children's learning must be viewed within the context of families' changing needs and the communities in which they live, this guide explores how staff in early years settings can further develop communication and contact with parents. The guide is designed for promoting greater understanding of…

Noting that play provides opportunities for children to develop adaptability, flexibility, and creativity, this paper links the findings of educational research on play and the work of teachers in primary classrooms in Scotland following the 5-14 curriculum. The paper's introduction provides information on historical and contemporary theories of…

This packet of materials is designed to help Scottish teachers improve discipline in the secondary school and classroom. Based on research conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE), it serves as a starting point to review discipline policy and practice. The packet contains three booklets: (1) "Action on Discipline…

This guide is for all school leaders, and pastoral care, support and teaching staff who work with young people who are preparing to move on from secondary schooling to the next stage in their lives. It is also for people who work in partnership with the school to support young people who are going into employment or continuing their learning, for…

Improving literacy skills is fundamental to providing all children with the best possible opportunities to become successful and self-fulfilled at school, at work, and in the community. Developing the skills of reading and writing helps children to achieve and communicate a greater understanding of the subjects within the school curriculum. The…

This document is one of a series of guides to self-evaluation. It builds on the advice given in "How good is our school?" (revised edition 2002) and, more specifically, "Taking a Closer Look at the School Library Resource Centre" published in 1999. This guidance is intended for use in the primary, special and secondary sectors.…

This guide supports the central objective of ensuring that young people enjoy the best possible introduction to, and experience of, work-related learning through strong partnerships between schools and colleges. The process of self-evaluation using quality indicators has already had a significant and positive impact on the quality of provision in…

To become effective health promoting establishments which achieve the maximum impact on children, young people and families and on the local community, schools and pre-school centres need to operate within a strategic framework developed at the highest levels within their local council and community area. Effective councils are committed to…