This paper reports upon some initial findings of a small scale research project which is investigating how governing bodies contribute to school improvement. In particular, it examines the extent to which governors are taking on responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the curriculum and school performance. It concludes by discussing the possible tensions created by a lay body undertaking what might be seen as the activities of educational professionals.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AGIT
(1997) Toolkit for Effective Governance. Leamington Spa: AGIT.
2.
Audit Commission and OFSTED
(1995) Lessons in Teamwork. London: HMSO.
3.
Baginsky, M.
, Baker, L. and Cleave, S. (1991) Towards Effective Partnerships in School Governance. Slough: NFER.
4.
Carver, J.
(1990) Boards that Make a Difference. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass.
5.
Corrick, M.
(1996) ‘Effective Governing Bodies, Effective Schools?’, in P. Earley, B. Fidler and J. Ouston (eds) Improvement through Inspection?London: David Fulton.
6.
Creese, M.
(1995) Effective Governors, Effective Schools: Developing the Partnership. London: David Fulton.
7.
Creese, M.
(1997) Effective Governance: The Evidence from OFSTED. Ipswich: School Management and Governance Development.
8.
Creese, M.
(1998) ‘The Strategic Role of Governors in School Improvement’, in D. Middlewood and J. Lumby (eds) Managing Strategy in Schools and Colleges. London: Paul Chapman.
9.
Creese, M.
and Bradley, H. (1997) ‘School Improvement and the Role of Governors: Findings from a Pilot Project’, School Leadership and Management17(1): 105–115.
10.
Creese, M.
and Earley, P. (1999) Improving Schools and Governing Bodies: Making a Difference. London: Routledge.
11.
DFE
, BIS and OFSTED (1995) Governing Bodies and Effective Schools. London: DES.
12.
DfEE
(1997a) Excellence in Schools. London: Stationery Of.ce.
13.
DfEE
(1997b) Setting Targets for Pupil Achievement: Guidance for Governors. London: DfEE.
14.
Earley, P.
(1994) School Governing Bodies: Making Progress?Slough: NFER.
15.
Earley, P.
(1997) External Inspections, “Failing Schools” and the Role of Governing Bodies’, School Leadership and Management17(3): 387–400.
16.
Earley, P.
(ed.) (1998a) School Improvement after Inspection? School and LEA Responses. London: Paul Chapman.
17.
Earley, P.
(1998b) ‘Governing Bodies and School Inspection: Potential for Empowerment?’ in P. Earley (ed.) School Improvement after Inspection? School and LEA responses. London: Paul Chapman.
18.
Esp, D.
and Saran, R. (eds) (1995) Effective Governors for Effective Schools. London: Pitman.
19.
Ferguson, N.
, Earley, P., Fidler, B. and Ouston, J. (2000) Improving Schools and Inspection: The Self-inspecting School?London: Sage/PCP.
20.
Gann, N.
(1997) Improving School Governance: How Better Governors Make Better Schools. London: Falmer Press.
21.
MacBeath, J.
, Boyd, B., and Rand, J. (1996) Schools Speak for Themselves. London: National Union of Teachers.
22.
OCEA
(1997) Governors Monitoring for School Self Improvement. Leicester: OCEA.
23.
OFSTED
(1998a) The Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools. London: HMSO.
24.
OFSTED
(1998b) Secondary Education, 1993–97: A Review of Secondary Schools in England. London: HMSO.
25.
Pathak, S.
and Maychell, K. (1997) Planning for Action: Part 2—A Guide to Post-Inspection Action Planning. Slough: NFER.
26.
Russell, S.
(1996) ‘The Role of School Managers in Monitoring and Evaluating the Work of a School: Inspectors’ Judgements and School Responses’, School Organisation16(3): 325–340.
27.
Scanlon, M.
, Earley, P. and Evans, J. (1999) Improving the Effectiveness of School Governing Bodies. London: DfEE.
28.
Walters, J.
and Richardson, C. (1997) Governing Schools through Policy. London: Lemos & Crane.
29.
Warwickshire LEA
(1997) Accountability Working Well. Warwick: Warwickshire County Council.
30.
West Sussex LEA
(1998) GEN—Governors Newsletter, 26 (Crawley, West Sussex).
