Monitoring and Evaluation of subject leaders
Monitoring subject leaders is crucial if you are to make judgments about the quality and success of a subject. It is one of the most difficult things to arrange, given the time constraints and fact that there are many subjects to monitor.
Senior leaders will need to make decisions about how and when to monitor subjects. This may involve a rolling programme or build on a system of focused and surface monitoring. Your Monitoring and Evaluation Policy will outline clearly which subjects are to be monitored when and by whom.
Monitoring need not be time consuming, provided time is well planned and those undertaking the monitoring are prepared to make judgments without too much deliberation.
Critically, before starting, make sure you know:
Are you clear about the difference between monitoring and evaluating?
Whilst this sounds obvious, many people slip into the trap of monitoring without due regard for evaluation. This often means that the monitoring is a complete waste of time as it does not impact on any changes being made.
Monitoring
- Gathering evidence
- Checking
Evaluating
- Asking, ‘So what…?’
- What does this mean for next steps?
- What’s working well? What needs improving?
You need some kind of monitoring and evaluation in order to assess the IMPACT of your actions.
These templates outline a simple format for recording focused evaluations and monitoring subject leaders.
Continue the Conversation
For more information on subject leadership, keep an eye on the Focus Education blog, find us on twitter @focuseducation1 or get in touch with the Focus Education office on 01457 821 818.
Related Subject Leader Blogs
Questions to Ask a Subject Leader by Shekina Rose
Ten Top Tips for Being an Effective Subject Leader in a Primary School by Tim Nelson
Making the Most of Subject Leaders by Tim Nelson
Related Subject Leader Books
Subject Leadership Range
Auditing the Intent, Implementation and Impact of each National Curriculum Subject
Using Deep Dives as a Monitoring Tool
Vicky is the Marketing Executive at Focus Education.
