Preparation and Assessment in a Large Urban Primary School Essay

Preparation and Assessment in a Large Urban Primary School - Essay Example The evidence would suggest that the difficulties that have arisen are significant, but not serious - and that they can be addressed. (cf Rollinson, 2002, pp254-5). However, given that the difficulties pertaining to the ‘softer’ human relations aspect of people management, which authors such as McGarvey (1997) and Lamp (1998) argue can fester if left unresolved, it is considered important that action to address the difficulties is taken. Recommendations for action are put forward below. In particular, schools are an essential feature of the public service infrastructure and as such have had to respond continuously to diverse consumer needs and a highly politicised agenda of government reform. This report describes one school’s response to a recent DfES initiative and the difficulties encountered as a result of that response. It analyses those difficulties from the perspectives of the structural organization, culture and leadership style. As part of its Raising Stan dards/Reducing Workload Agenda (DfES,2002) the government has placed schools under a legal obligation to provide all teachers with 10% non-contact time for planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) duties. However, no accompanying directive has been issued as to how this may be achieved. The government has however provided advisory guidelines suggesting that teacher release might be secured through the use of additional teaching staff, Higher Level Teaching Assistants (a newly created tier of teaching assistants who have attained recognized accreditation), Cover Assistants or specialist tutors and sports coaches.