Systems Services

Using Evidence for School Improvement

Using a range of evidence to build understanding and inform decision-making is an important element of school improvement and raising student achievement levels.  Systematic and purposeful data gathering to inform decision-making at all levels of schooling is a complex process that involves:

• Asking the right questions of the current situation
• Using appropriate tools and methods, including the gathering of student and whānau voice, student achievement data and observations
• Thoughtful Interpretation of the data to provide relevant information
• Identification of priorities at different levels – classroom, team, whole school
• Effective communication of the findings of the data-gathering process
• Monitoring the implementation of improvement goals and priorities

Our team can support your school team with part or all of these stages of using evidence for meaningful improvement. 

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Investigations

All manner of situations arise that require information gathering in order to determine the validity of an allegation or a deep concern. Because we are independent and may have no historical or current connection with your school we are able to carry out an investigation that is totally objective and confidential.

We work to your brief, provide a full report including recommendations, and can provide advice for their implementation.

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Strengthening School Culture

Building a strong school culture is essential to school improvement and is positively linked with student outcomes. Research indicates that while it is one of the most important concepts in education it is also one of the most overlooked. The centrality of relationships and the presence of a widely shared sense of purpose or vision are key concepts in building a positive school culture.
We can help schools:

• evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the school's culture in ensuring the well-being and development of staff
• assess the culture in relation to teaching and learning
• assess the effectiveness of the different teams operating within the school environment - leadership team, teaching teams, support staff teams, administration team
• identify possible actions for school management to take for further development of a positive school culture

We can provide professional learning and development to leaders in the school in how to proactively build, strengthen and maintain a vibrant, positive workplace culture.

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Maximising Effectiveness of Support Teams

The provision of support services in a school is important. Such provision allows the principal and teaching staff to focus on what they should be doing – providing the best possible teaching and learning for students. It is also an area which can absorb a significant amount of the Operations Grant.

Ahead Associates has significant expertise in assessing the structure, functioning and required roles in the areas encompassed by the school's support services, to ensure that the school is well positioned to meet current needs, demonstrates best practice and is able to meet the increasing demands for continued educational success.

We have provided reviews of administration, finance and property, department and classroom support roles and RTLB in State, State-Integrated and Independent schools.

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Facilitation

There are times when there is value in having an independent person facilitate an important meeting, strategic planning session or review of progress. The Facilitator keeps things on track, moves the group along when they stall or become circular and ensures the outcome is kept front of mind. Therefore an overview is maintained, thinking is challenged and due process is followed.

There are also times when it is helpful for a principal or board presiding member to talk to someone who is familiar with their type of school but is independent and objective.

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