School Review

Policy

This policy sets out the process and requirements for school reviews.

Summary

• All schools must participate in a school review every 4 years.
• The school review informs the development of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan.
• The school reviewer also assesses compliance with the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard for schools where this assessment is required.
• Specific information to guide schools through the process is available in the Guidance tab.

Details

School review is a key element of the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) improvement cycle.

Schools undertake a school review every 4 years to inform the directions of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan (SSP).

There are 2 components of school review:

1. the pre-review self-evaluation (PRSE) where schools review their data and other evidence to form a collective view of current practice and areas for improvement. Schools complete the PRSE on the Strategic Planning Online Tool (SPOT) with the support of their senior education improvement leader (SEIL)
2. a review facilitated by an independent school reviewer with a panel comprising the principal, SEIL and for most schools, the school council president and challenge partners. Further detail on panel composition is provided in the guidance tab. The panel considers the PRSE and undertakes additional review activities such as classroom observations and focus groups. The review concludes with a report that includes the recommended goals, targets and key improvement strategies for the school’s next SSP.

An assessment of compliance with the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard will be undertaken for all secondary and specialist schools. For primary schools, a representative sample of schools will be selected for assessment. The allocated reviewer will advise schools if they have been selected. Compliance with the other Minimum Standards for registered schools is assessed separately through the Minimum Standards Compliance Assessment conducted by the department’s Operational Policy, School Engagement and Compliance Division (OPSEC). Refer to Minimum Standards and School Registration for more information.

The school review covers all campuses of a school, including any flexible learning campuses.

Related policies

• Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)
• Annual Report to the School Community
• Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)
• Minimum Standards and School Registration
• School Strategic Plan

Relevant legislation

• Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)
• Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 (Vic)