School Review

4. What happens during a school review

Key review activities

Schools will be allocated between 1-4 review days depending on the school’s Differentiated School Performance Method group, school size and in consultation with regions. School reviewers will advise principals of the number of days allocated for the review.

All school reviews will cover the following activities. The time allocated to each activity will vary according to the duration of the review. Key review activities include:

• initial panel discussions informed by preliminary insights into the data and evidence prepared by the reviewer. This is informed by the school’s completed PRSE, and any other contextual information, data or evidence shared with the reviewer. The discussion supports the panel to form a shared understanding of current student learning and wellbeing outcomes and school practices of strength and areas for further investigation through review activities.
• classroom observations and focus groups with staff, students and parents/carers (generally one of each). It is recommended that English and mathematics classrooms are observed. When planning for classroom observations, panels should consider how to best gather a valid and reliable observed sample of classroom practice. For secondary schools, where possible, observation of VCE English and/or mathematics, and VCE VM classes is recommended
• observation of meeting(s) of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) (one recommended) where possible
• mid-review check-ins with the panel to briefly discuss emerging insights gathered throughout the review
• a final meeting where the panel reflects on the evidence gathered from the review, confirms the key priorities moving forward, and develops the key directions (goals, targets and key improvement strategies) for the next School Strategic Plan (SSP). The final meeting also includes an opportunity for the panel to develop draft actions for the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) that can implement the key improvement strategies identified in the SSP.

Note that to maintain the integrity of the review, principals and other school leaders do not usually participate in focus groups and interviews but can participate in classroom observations.

For further advice on developing the key directions for the next SSP, refer to the School Strategic Plan guidance chapter on the Policy and Advisory Library or contact the School Planning, Review and Annual Reporting Unit at schoolplanning@education.vic.gov.au.