TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING STAFF
What is the Effective School Framework (ESF)? The ES framework is founded on the principles of inclusiveness, student-centeredness and democratic participation. This framework provides a systematic approach to address all the elements that impact the delivery of an effective education for all students.
What areas does the Framework focus on? The Framework focuses on the implementation of: Positive Behavioural Management Techniques Healthy and Health Promoting Practices – including Sports for Development and the teaching of Health and Family Life Education Student Centered Education Effective School Leadership and Management Inclusive Child Seeking Non-Discriminatory Practices Staff Professional Development Gender-Sensitive and Friendly Environment Spiritual Care Safe, Protective and Nurturing Environment
My school is already implementing school improvement initiatives. Can we still benefit from implementing the Framework? Yes. All schools already have several good initiatives; ESF principles do not replace or compete with existing initiatives but provides an framework for integration and consolidation of resources. In a climate of scare resources, this holistic approach can prove to be a cost effective and efficient way of coordinating the implementation of practices which lead to more effective schools.
What positive results can I expect as a result of implementing the framework at the secondary level? All educational stakeholders benefit when schools implement the ES Framework. The table identifies some of the associated benefits for teachers and students:
STUDENTS
Relationships with students and parents improve
Relationships with teachers and peers improve
Students’ behaviour and grades improve
Academic and behavioural support increases
Students become more engaged and motivated
Fair, consistent discipline is implemented
Opportunities for professional development are increased
Opportunities for meaningful participation increase
Teachers are exposed to diverse instructional methods
Student-centred learning practices are enhanced
How exactly is the Framework implemented? Schools that have implemented the framework have followed these steps. They:
1. Review the mission and vision with all stakeholders 2. Train the team on all aspects of the Framework 3. Conduct a needs assessment in the areas of focus with the full participation of all stakeholders (students, parents, non-teaching staff, teaching staff, members of civil society)
4. Develop a plan to improve/enhance school 5. Communicate and implement the plan with the full participation of all stakeholders
6. Monitor and evaluate their efforts
Who should be on the school team? The school team should be representative of all stakeholders who influence decision making at the school. It should therefore include: The members of school administration (principal, deputy principal, year heads, department heads)
FAQS BY EDUCATORS
The guidance counsellor Teachers, non-teaching staff Students Parents
ABOUT THE EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS FRAMEWORK (ESF)
It is not recommended that the principal function as the CFS team leader, however his/her participation on the team is vital to achieving positive outcomes.
What is the role of the school team? The team is the driving force behind the implementation process at the school. They harness support for its implementation and lead the school in designing, implementing and monitoring the action plan. It should be noted however, that the responsibility for implementation rests with all stakeholders as their support is needed for the framework to be successfully applied.
Do schools need additional resources to implement the ES Framework? Implementing the Framework is about better use of existing resources, not about adding new ones. As such, schools implementing the Framework have implemented practices which are sustainable and cost effective. Where necessary they have sought to create a support base among members of the community, local businesses and the school’s existing fundraising committee.
Produced in collaboration with the Ministries of Education in the Eastern Caribbean Region
For further information please contact the Ministry of Education in your country UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area Tel: +1 246 467 6000 Fax: +1 246 436 2812 Email:
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