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What is the simplest (and most effective) approach to self-evaluation in the Mathematics Department?
Self-evaluation has two problems. One is that it can take up a lot of time and the other is that Ofsted often comments that self-evaluation forms can be a trifle vague. This is bad news because no one wants to spend time and finish up with statements that turn out to be hard to defend.
The good news is that we’ve built a unique self-evaluation system for use in Mathematics departments. It is quick to use and results in statements that can be presented with a certainty that they are completely accurate when questioned by senior leaders or an inspector. Look at how it works here: www.iabacus.co.uk/maths
Of course, the first thing to ensure with any system which claims to be easy to use is that it is possible to start using it within five minutes of turning it on. And that means no manual, no complex logging-in procedure, etc. – just instant access and instant use.
In the case of iAbacus, you go straight in and then, either on your own or with a colleague, you decide where your school stands for that area of work.
Thus you might decide your department is “good” in terms of “achievement of pupils” and “outstanding” in terms of “quality of teaching”; iAbacus then shows you what that means in Ofsted terms.
Now there’s a moment’s pause. Are you really sure that the department meets those criteria? Have you overplayed your hand a bit, or maybe done yourself down? Either alone or with a colleague or two, you can accept the setting in the light of the criteria or change it.
As you know, you’ll have to provide evidence to meet the judgement you’ve made and formulate an action plan for getting better. So that is what iAbacus helps you to do next.
The iAbacus approach to self-evaluation is having a huge impact on subject departments – especially when several colleagues get involved in the process. For it challenges everyone to justify their judgements, analyse what is going on, and plan to improve – and that is the most valuable step of all.
In no time you have a departmental evaluation and improvement plan, in PDF format or printed off, with visual displays of your judgements, evidence of where you are now, and detailed plans of how you are going to move forward.
As one colleague emailed, “Self evaluation at our school has been transformed by the use of iAbacus. Whole school, subject self-evaluation and improvement is now rooted in a system that is not only simple to use but also very visual.”
iAbacus costs just £100 for a one year, one-person licence. Our suggestion is that you try it out yourself and then show it to a couple of colleagues. If they like it too, just call us back for another licence.
To see the Mathematics iAbacus please visit www.iabacus.co.uk/maths and then see the other areas on which iAbacus focuses.
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