Elizabeth Paterson’s Post

DEVELOPING STORY: In response to the growing unease over the state of Ethiopia’s education system, Prime Minister Abiy has ardently defended his administration’s policy as a meticulously structured, seven-segment reform. This comes against the backdrop of disappointing high school exam results, exacerbated by the impacts of regional conflicts that led to the closure of numerous educational facilities in several regional states.   Addressing members of Parliament, the Prime Minister stressed the necessity of these reforms, warning that without a comprehensive overhaul, the education system faces an imminent threat of collapse.  Diversifying TVET institutions is indicated by the PM as an antidote to the deteriorating education system in the country that had over 97pc of high school students fail to join higher education. However, officials from the Ministry of Labor & Skills observed that the long-term courses have discouraged students from joining these institutions.

Education researchers argue that educational reforms should align with the financial and infrastructural capacities of schools. His view contrasts with others who advocate for more immediate and stringent measures, sparking debate on the pace and scope of the education sector. Read more https://ow.ly/zvIJ50SolwM

Some thoughts on the huge challenges the government faces with regard to higher education finances. Originally published in the Spring Edition of Recovery Magazine. Klarents Media Ltd #universities #highereducation #financialsustainability

It is encouraging to see recommendations in this report that acknowledge the complexity of leading and teaching in educational settings. All teachers and school leaders must have greater access to specialised training and quality professional learning (aligned with the standards of the profession), mentoring and coaching.

January was a busy month of legislative changes, particularly during such a transitional time for education policy. We understand it can be challenging to stay on top of changes when surrounded by a busy school environment, so we publish an education snapshot each month - giving you an overview of the key developments and latest updates. This time, we cover: 1️⃣ The current political landscape > understand where the emphasis lies. 2️⃣ Labour party thinking > learn about the areas of focus and possible outcomes. 3️⃣ Key issues for schools > uncover the social- and health-related problems affecting the sector. 4️⃣ Policies for consultation > navigate changes to the guidance for 'Working together to safeguard children 2023'. 5️⃣ An evolution of Ofsted > see the likely changes for the inspection process. For details on the above, read our latest overview ➡️ https://bit.ly/42u60pC #EdChat #Education #Schools #MAT #Academies #Ofsted #StayInformed

An interesting read which summarises the challenges higher education is facing. It’s clear a change is requiired but apart from mentioning fees increasing (which is an interesting option when students already believe that the current fee rate doesn’t provide value for money sometimes)…. Does make me worry we are heading into tougher times but without a clear plan for the sector and salami slicing budget isn’t the answer going forward.

Higher Education is in a perfect storm, as highlighted by a recent article in the Guardian https://lnkd.in/eRS3p2qz Income fixed when costs are increasing is a recipe for disaster. Closing the gap via international students was a pragmatic fix but not sustainable. And the “competition” within the sector is counter productive. The model is broken. If 40% of English HEIs are going into the red this year ( plus the next tier who are just about breaking even) something will have to give. Continuously cutting staff is a spiral of decline. There needs to be a proper debate about the future of Higher Education including funding. But also whether some HEIs should merge. Moving to a 52 week academic year. Creation of virtual campuses. Some two year degrees. A new deal for academic staff etc. The Government bears a lot of responsibility for the mess the sector is in. But the sector must also step up to the plate and be prepared for some radical changes. Alas I do not see that there is enough transformative leadership in the sector as a whole or many individual institutions. The time has also come to change the operating model and take the responsibility for running complex organisations away from academics.

Today, Education Ministers released the NSRA Expert Panel's report to inform a better and fairer education system. It was an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience to serve on the Expert Panel for Minister Jason Clare MP, alongside my colleagues Lisa O'Brien (Chair), Lisa Paul AO PSM (Deputy Chair), Stephen Lamb, Dyonne Anderson and Pasi Sahlberg, and with stellar support from the team at the Cwlth Department of Education. Australia has set high ambitions for its schools - and rightly so. No matter where they were born, or what their background is, all children deserve to receive an excellent education that sets them up for the future. Without doubt, the highlight for me of the last six months was meeting with hundreds of teachers in 92 schools across the country - by far the most extensive school-level consultation process I've been involved in. The teachers we met were incredibly passionate and hard working, and we saw many, many examples of excellent practice. But the reality is that not all children are thriving in school, and not all educators have the support and training they need to improve outcomes. The ripple effects for children who struggle at school radiate out across all aspects of their lives. When a child struggles with their learning, it affects their sense of self, how they engage with their peers and with new opportunities, and their ambitions for the future. We heard this message in school after school over the last six months. The reforms recommended by the Expert Panel seek to boost the ability of schools and teachers to respond to these children with clarity and confidence, drawing on a strong repertoire of effective practice and targeted support. The targets the Expert Panel has recommended, including targets to boost the number of students who reach the new NAPLAN proficiency benchmark in reading and numeracy, are achievable, if governments set their mind to it. In our view, the hard work required to achieve these targets will be more than worth the effort. You can read the final Expert Panel report here: https://lnkd.in/gEyWryCh       

"Considering the assessment landscape in 2024" - a new article from Charles Darr and Graeme Cosslett With the new National-led government now in office, we can expect changes to assessment policy for schools in the near future. Given the critical role assessment plays in schooling, it is important that any proposed policy shifts are carefully scrutinised. In this Assessment News column, NZCER Tumuaki Graeme Cosslett and Kaihautū Rangahau Charles Darr examine the assessment-related proposals in the "Teaching the Basics Brilliantly" policy document, providing some useful context and concluding with some recommendations. Now available online-first and free to read below!

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the recent Ofsted reforms have underscored the need for a robust framework for school self-evaluation and improvement. Read our latest insight on how we can help. https://lnkd.in/dSyq-BWQ