‘No evidence’ giving power to heads boosts standards
Glasgow City Council says no research backs up school changes
FLAGSHIP plans to transfer power to headteachers are being pushed through with no evidence they will improve standards, Scotland’s largest local authority has said.
Glasgow City Council warned the Scottish Government was pressing ahead with reforms despite not knowing whether they would be successful.
The intervention comes in a written submission to the Government’s official consultation.
Under the plans the SNP intends to give more power over decisions to headteachers coupled with direct funding to help support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
New educational regions will be set up with a role similar to current councils and the SNP also wants more involvement from parents.
The submission from Glasgow City Council said: “It is our opinion that the case for such a wideranging review has not been made.
“What is the evidence base to suggest the current governance structure is not working? Equally, where is the evidence to suggest headteachers and parents want or need more power?”
The council said there was strong evidence to support the link between better parental engagement and qualifications with improved outcomes for children.
It also said there was evidence empowered school communities could make a difference to children’s lives, particularly where families were experiencing poverty.
But it adds: “There is no evidence that we are aware of where giving money direct to schools and transferring some legislative duties direct to schools rather than through a local authority makes any difference.”
The submission goes on to highlight the fact pupils in Glasgow are performing “better than would be expected” given the very significant levels of poverty.
In the past three years, the percentage of pupils achieving five or more Highers by the end of fifth year has risen from 8.6 per cent to 11.7 per cent.
Cosla, an umbrella body that represents most councils, has already said shifting control away from local authorities would leave “unelected” school leaders taking decisions rather than elected councillors.
Glasgow City Council reiterated the warning stating: “We hold our schools to account for their outcomes for children and young people.
“When one school amended its curriculum so radically it resulted in fewer pupils achieving qualifications we intervened and insisted was changed.
“Glasgow is not convinced the case has been made for radical reform in terms of structural changes or the removal of the crucial link with local democracy.”
At the launch of the consultation, Education Secretary John Swinney said his guiding principle was that decisions should be taken at school level.
He said: “We will empower our teachers to make the best decisions for our young people.
“We will place them at the heart of a system that makes decisions within schools themselves.”
He also said reforms would be driven by evidence of what worked. the curriculum