School Networks

Policy

This policy outlines the purpose and operation of school networks.

Summary

• Government schools are arranged into geographically-based school networks, generally with around 30 schools per network.
• In larger contexts, networks have been combined to form double networks.
• School networks enable school collaboration, drive collective accountability and peer support and support the implementation of key policy reforms aimed at improving student outcomes.
• Each school network is led by a school network executive comprising a team of principals from the school network, one of whom is appointed school network chair.
• Each school network must develop, implement and monitor a school network plan that guides their work throughout the school year.
• School networks are encouraged to meet at least twice per term, with agendas developed by the school network chair, in conjunction with the senior education improvement leader (SEIL) and school network executive, incorporating statewide priorities and reforms together with local issues.

Details

Research highlights that collaborative leadership models, where schools share professional learning, teaching resources and consistent approaches to curriculum implementation, can be effective in scaling high-quality practice and addressing improvement challenges that exceed the capacity of individual schools.

School networks are the key mechanism that support the implementation of the department’s priorities. They do this with shared responsibility and collective accountability for improvement across all member schools.

Further information on school network roles and responsibilities is provided in the Guidance tab.

School networks may establish:

• clusters, which include principals, assistant principals and other school leaders, to work more intensively on common areas of interest
• collaborative structures for middle leaders who can progress the work of the school network or a particular community of practice.

School networks are encouraged to use the Network development roadmap (PDF) to self-assess their practice and opportunities for development.

Related policies

• Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)
• Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0