NIF: An Interim Response - EIS Brief Paper

Created on: 23 Jan 2018 | Last modified: 31 May 2018

Introduction

The National Improvement Framework (NIF) was published in January 2016, aspects of which are of immediate significance to EIS members this term for two key reasons. Firstly, data on CfE levels for Literacy and Numeracy based on teacher professional judgement will be collected for P1, P4, P7 and S3 from all schools by local authorities, on behalf of the Scottish Government, by the end of June 2016.

Following a period of quality assurance by local authorities (the EIS is clear that this check should relate only to data-gathering processes and completion), this data will be submitted to the Scottish Government by August 31st 2016. Secondly, the four key priorities that are laid out within the National Improvement Framework and the key drivers of improvement should feature in school improvement planning for Session 2016-17, guidance to this effect having been issued to schools recently by Education Scotland.

The four key priorities are:

  • Improvement in attainment, particularly in literacy and numeracy;
  • Closing the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged children;
  • Improvement in children and young people’s health and wellbeing;
  • Improvement in employability skills and sustained school leaver destinations for all young people.

6 areas of Scottish education, identified as key drivers of improvement are: School Leadership, Teacher Professionalism, Parental Engagement, Assessment of Children’s Progress, School Improvement and Performance Information.

This, of course, has implications for School Improvement Planning discussions and Working Time Agreement negotiations. This interim assessment advice is being issued by the Education Committee of the EIS in response to both of those factors exclusively - collection of CfE levels and improvement planning reflecting NIF priorities and drivers.

It does not seek  to address the wider implications of the NIF, many of which relate to the assessment of children's progress and the use of National Standardised Assessment which is proposed to be fully in use during Session 2017-18. More detailed policy advice in relation to assessment will follow next session following consideration by the Education Committee and EIS Council.

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