ABSTRACT
If we are to believe the outcomes of school improvement research, the biggest hurdle to be overcome is securing the commitment of staff to change. The challenge for the new head teacher of Northicote was no different: to find ways of bringing the staff on board and getting them committed to and prepared to become involved in long-lasting change. He decided to focus his attention on the following elements:
• high quality professional working relationships • teamwork • shared leadership • shared understandings • teachers’ own learning
The attitude of the staff to the judgements made by OFSTED fell into three categories. For some, their inner beliefs about the school were confirmed, for others a state of denial ensued and for still others, the judgements presented a personal and professional challenge to change the school’s fortunes.
