Whole School Evaluation

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Contents

WSE: A Summary 1
Phase 1:  Pre-Evaluation 2
Phase 2: In-school Evaluation 3
Phase 3: Post Evaluation 4
Structure of the WSE Report 5

WSE: A Summary

Whole-school evaluation (WSE) is a process of external evaluation of the work of a school carried out by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science (DES). The process is designed "to monitor and assess the quality, economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the education system provided in the state by recognised schools and centres of education" (Education Act 1998, section 7 (2) (b)).

WSE has replaced the tuairisc scoile model of school inspection but as before, schools are evaluated in a cyclical procedure, in line with the annual inspection programme of the Inspectorate.

At present an individual school is evaluated approximately every five to seven years.

The reporting inspector for a WSE is nominated by an assistant chief inspector and is usually the schools designated district or divisional inspector. In larger schools a team of inspectors may be appointed, depending on the size of the school. The reporting inspector has overall responsibility for the organisation and co-ordination of the WSE.

Whole-school evaluation is concerned with the work of the school as a whole and involves the teaching staff, school management, parents and pupils. The procedure allows for members of the school community to have opportunities to interact with the evaluation team to discuss issues relating to the work of the school.

During WSE, management and planning, teaching and learning and supports for pupils are evaluated. The evaluation team identifies strengths within the school and makes recommendations on areas for development. WSE provides for discussion of findings and recommendations with the school management and members of the teaching staff. A report of the WSE is then published on the website of the Department of Education and Science.

It is recognised that schools are involved in a process of self-evaluation. To facilitate self-evaluation the Inspectorate published Looking at Our School: An Aid to Self-Evaluation in Primary Schools (2003). This framework is also used by the Inspectorate in conducting a WSE.

In conducting a WSE the Inspectorate is governed by the Professional Code of Practice on Evaluation and Reporting for the Inspectorate (2002) which sets out general principles and guidelines under which members of the Inspectorate engage in the process of evaluation and reporting. The general principles of the code are that inspectors will be consistent, fair and courteous and will work with members of the school community in a climate of mutual respect. Inspectors are also committed to basing their judgements on first-hand evidence and to applying evaluation criteria objectively and reliably.

In accordance with section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998, it is open to a teacher or the board of a school to request the Chief Inspector to review any evaluation carried out by an inspector that affects the teacher or the school.

Whole School Evaluation

The DES has published A Guide to Whole-School Evaluation in Primary Schools which sets out the practices and procedures involved in all aspects of the WSE process and places whole-school evaluations within a legislative and regulatory framework.

WSE process is divided into three phases:

•    Phase 1: Pre-Evaluation
 •    Phase 2: In-school Evaluation
 •    Phase 3: Post Evaluation
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