Targeted use of school resources - in detail

An effective basis for resourcing decisions

Highly effective principals align the skills of teachers and focus resources within the framework of demands of the particular programs or approaches to be implemented. Undertaking this process efficiently across a whole school saves critically important time in preparing for and implementing change.

Many NSW case study schools (Erebus International, 2012 and 2013) needed time to adjust to the sudden arrival in the school of new Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership funds that allowed purchase of resources on a scale not previously possible. While some schools acknowledged a level of uncertainty about the most expedient way to expend the funds, others used the school's change agenda in literacy/numeracy and the accompanying annual action/strategic plan as the fundamental tool for negotiation with the school community.

Where the school plan identified priorities that were clear and understood by all stakeholders, the most effective use of resources was less of a challenge. On reflection, some principals would concede that too much was initially invested in physical resources and insufficient in human resources that could be employed to build teacher capacity, and to support the accompanying organisational change and longer term sustainability.

Adapting resource decisions to suit changing needs

Principals in case study schools also reported a change in emphasis over time of the need for physical or human resources. Most commonly the most effective strategy appears to have been the early expenditure predominantly on human resources with some emphasis on physical resources, and then reversing these priorities after evidence of initial impact.

Investing in people to build lasting capacity

The NSW school case study findings accord directly with both Zbar et al (2010) and Hattie (2009) who suggest that most highly effective school leaders are very diligent about ensuring that resources are selected to maximise the learning impact for students. Often this meant the early identification and employment of educators with the relevant skills to facilitate change. Sharing of that expertise/understanding with professional colleagues then enhanced teachers’ capacity to support the change process.

References

Erebus International (2012). Evaluation of the take-up and sustainability of new literacy and numeracy practices in NSW schools – Final Report for Phase 1, undertaken on behalf of the NSW Minister for Education

Erebus International (2013). Evaluation of the take-up and sustainability of new literacy and numeracy practices in NSW schools – Final Report for Phase 2, undertaken on behalf of the NSW Minister for Education

Hattie, J.  (2009) Visible Learning: a synthesis of over 800 Meta- Analyses relating to Achievement. London: Routledge

Zbar, V.,Kimber, R. and Marshall, G. (2010). Getting the Preconditions for School Improvement in Place: How to Make it Happen. Centre for Strategic Education Seminar Series Bulletin 193: Melbourne