Our schools must get away from looking to the churn of change for the answers

Scotland’s education sector is under the cosh to get results, writes Neil Mclennan

Scottish education came under increased pressure recently as the Sutton Trust data fed back a big ‘D.’

At the end of last year I offered a balanced view on the BBC of PISA scorecards which showed poor progress and ratings against international comparators.

This is one report, however, which may affect the psyche of those running education. A key consideration will be whether ongoing work with Curriculum for Excellence (and policy ‘offspring’ Closing the Gap, Raising Attainment for All, Attainment Challenge & Pupil Equity Fund) can deliver on the stated policy aim of reducing the attainment/poverty gap.

Initial figures suggest limited progress, however there is cogni- sance that changes take time. Perhaps less considered is whether the work is joined up.

At present, education is under the spotlight. Looking ahead, a potential return to high-stakes testing throughout the education system and emerging high accountability structures seem to be the direction of travel.

A former colleague always maintained ‘you cannot fatten a pig by measuring it.’ Furthermore, education cannot do it all. Jobs, housing, social benefits and above all else a culture of work, aspiration, advancement and betterment are required to make transformational changes. Strong education leaders will champion and progress this but it needs a coordination.

Scottish education improvement