The Government’s eagerly awaited Schools White Paper 2010 ‘The Importance of Teaching’ was published yesterday with an array of promises and policy decisions paving the way for a new education landscape which re-focuses power back into the hands of teachers.
The reduction of bureaucracy, modernisation and simplified and shortened guidance on duties (such as anti-bullying and the use of force) are key themes that run through almost every section of the paper.
The proposed changes include: improving training for teachers and leaders, introducing new powers and protections for teachers dealing with poor pupil behaviour, reforming curriculum assessment and qualifications, advancing a more autonomous school system, publicising how much money is spent on each pupil to ensure accountability, reforming school improvement processes and clarifying school funding arrangements.
The coalition’s pace of change for the education sector shows no sign of slowing.