Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
368. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to require schools to draw up five-year development plans for their schools and individual teachers; and the way in which they are supported by the inspectorate. [16397/15]
View answerSince November 2012, schools are required to engage in evidence-based school self-evaluation (SSE) focussed on improving learner outcomes. Schools are expected to complete a school self-evaluation report and a three-year school improvement plan. Schools must focus on one aspect of teaching and learning each year from 2013/14 and they are required to provide a summary of their SSE report and school improvement plan to their school community.
The Inspectorate has developed comprehensive guidelines and set up a dedicated website to support the SSE process. The Inspectorate is working closely with the Department's support services to embed school self-evaluation in schools and it publishes a newsletter highlighting best practice in SSE. An extensive programme of school support visits has been conducted and national and regional SSE seminars have been held. The SSE website is updated regularly and includes samples of SSE reports and improvement plans.
