Improving Schools in Exceptionally Challenging Circumstances

Working in the challenging context of inner city areas on accelerated school improvement does not allow time for reflection. Learning occurs experientially but it is not easily consolidated or refined. School improvement is currently opportunistic and expedient, but schools and authority are gradually edging towards a more durable theory of tackling underachievement and building success. This book offers the reader the opportunity to understand the process of school improvement better and establishes local models.

Five Sections; 1. Introduction; 2. School improvement from the perspective of two head teachers - personal perspectives on leading and managing change; 3. School improvement from the perspective of two LEA officers - personal perspectives of meeting the needs of schools facing challenging circumstances; 4. Telling the story - case studies of improvement in three primary schools in challenging circumstances.; 5. What we have learned - self review, coping with difficulties and achieving sustainable school improvement in a challenging context.