Management Skills In Primary Schools

Originally published in 1988. The qualities that identify a good school are high teaching standards and teacher morale, good levels of behaviour, successful pupil performance and a well-balanced provision of extra-curricular activities. Such schools are described as ‘well-run’ but the correlation between effectiveness and an explicit management strategy is not yet established. This book seeks to examine the role of management in the primary school and to identify those areas in which effective management practice can make a valuable contribution to school life for the benefit of both staff and pupils. It argues that although useful insights can be gained into school organisation from the scientific management perspective, the human relation approach to management has more to offer to those working in the primary sector. The focus is therefore on personal relationships. The importance of a clear sense of purpose is emphasised throughout, especially in view of the challenges which now face our primary schools.

This book is for all teachers who have curriculum and management responsibilities in primary schools or who aspire to those positions. It provides an analysis of those responsibilities and of how they may best be exercised in the changing climate of primary education. It takes account of the many radical policy changes that have influenced the management of primary schools since 1988. Above all it offers practical guidelines on which effective strategies for managing primary schools may be based while recognising that good management is not an end in itself.

The author shows how managers in education can contribute to school improvement, and focus on the essential personal and practical management skills needed to instill a positive team culture.

Specifically designed for busy teachers who have responsibility for co- ordinating a subject area within their primary school. Each volume in the series conforms to a concise style, while providing a wealth of tips, case studies and photocopiable material that teachers can use immediately. subject they are called on to co-ordinate, these books provide guidance and examples to tackle the job. There are special volumes dedicated to dealing with OFSTED, creating whole school policy and the demands of co-ordinating several subjects within a small school. The entire set of 16 volumes is available.

This new edition of Managing the Primary School brings up-to-date the consideration of the tasks and skills of the headteacher which was a feature of the first edition. Like the first edition, this book deals with all aspects of the headteacher's role, including a discussion of the changing relationships with parents and governors, and an examination of the headteacher's involvement with marketing the school and controlling its finances. Each chapter looks at a particular group of skills and tasks which are a part of the management role. Joan Dean takes into account the implications of the Education Reform Act and the National Curriculum and includes accounts of recent research, concentrating in particular on studies of effective schools. This book will be invaluable to all headteachers as well as other senior staff, advisors and consultants working in primary schools.

This lively book is based on case studies written by heads from a variety of settings, each of them facing different problems and concerns. The issues raised are examined in-depth, including: * improving the quality of pupils' learning experience * effective staff organisation and development * development of policy and the management of resources * establishing good relaionships between the head, the school and the community