Professional Code of Practice on Evaluation and Reporting
Inspectors must carry out their functions in accordance with procedures determined by the Minister. These are set down in the "Professional Code of Practice on Evaluation and Reporting for the Inspectorate". This sets out general principles and guidelines in accordance with which members of the Inspectorate engage in the process of evaluation and reporting.
According to the code, evaluation should identify, acknowledge and affirm good practice in schools, promote improvement, self-evaluation and continuous development and provide an assurance of quality based on objective, dependable and high quality data. Inspectors are required to foster mutual respect, trust and a positive professional relationship between themselves and the school community. There must be consistent application of evaluation criteria in order to ensure objectivity and reliability, leading to the making of valid judgements and the clear communication of outcomes.
The code specifically commits inspectors to consistency and fairness, taking due account of school context factors and to taking cognisance of school self-review and other school-based quality assurance procedures. Inspectors are required to be courteous, respectful and fair in all interactions with individuals and groups. The code commits Inspectors to sensitivity towards both individual teachers and the school, and clarity in the manner in which findings are communicated. This is required so as to enhance the motivation and overall capacity of the school community to achieve its goals and fulfil its functions.
In addition, criticism and complaints, should such arise, must be carefully weighed against evidence. The code specifically states that efforts must be made to preserve the positive relationships which exist between teachers and pupils.
Evaluation should be conducted within normal school time and any meetings that may be deemed necessary outside of school time should be agreed in advance. If any pupils are interviewed then a teacher must always be invited to be present.
The key findings of an evaluation must be communicated clearly at the post-evaluation meeting, prior to the issue of any written report, the school staff must be given an opportunity to respond to the relevant key findings and inspectors have to note the comments made. Inspectors must provide the opportunity to the recipients of reports, whether individuals or groups, to clarify by questioning what is reported and to offer any further evidence that they think should be taken into account. There must be consistency between oral and written reporting and strengths as well as opportunities and recommendations identified.
Written reports must be finalised and edited for issue in accordance with agreed time-schedules. In addition in the case of WSE, reports must prior to issue, be made available in draft form to the Principal of the school for the validation of factual content. Reports should not contain any additional substantive findings that have not been articulated at the post-evaluation meetings, should focus on the whole school rather than on individuals and should not name any individual person.
Last updated: March 2011