SELF Contributes to the Development of the Network for Shared School Improvement (NSSI)

Throughout last year, SELF worked in partnership with the Education Authority to contribute to the development of the Network For Shared School Improvement (NSSI). The concept involves school partnerships working together in clusters, to identify aspects of practice requiring development in school leadership, curriculum development and classroom pedagogy which schools have in common.

SELF facilitated and led a working group comprised of school leaders from all phases and sectors, along with other stakeholders from the Education Authority, ETI, NICIE, CCMS, and CCEA.   Together they explored the concept of Joint Practice Development programmes and advised the Education Authority on the ‘Toolkit’ which teachers and school leaders would need to carry out this work. The Education Authority have since been providing training led and developed by Professor Mark Hadfield from University of Cardiff for the initial group of Cluster Leaders.

SELF is delighted that the first group of school partnerships are currently in the process of exploring Joint Practice Development with a view to setting up their clusters in the near future.

Teachers will work in partnership to jointly develop practice, using a framework developed in NI to enable teachers to carry out Joint Practice Development Programmes.

The framework will enable teachers to develop their practice in:

• Identifying professional development needs
• Developing and updating their professional knowledge by using a range of appropriate research skills
• Planning their professional development journey
• Maximising the potential of peer observation and of the professional learning conversation which follow
• Collecting classroom and school based evidence of improvement
• Reflecting on their professional learning and sharing their learning with colleagues across their network of schools.

The Cluster Leaders from Assumption Grammar School Ballynahinch (Fiona Feron),  The High School Ballynahinch (Angela Casey) and St Paul’s High School Bessbrook (Claire Maguire) have generously shared their early experiences in developing the skills for JPD and planning their first programmes.  Read the article about their experiences.