How Shanghai Schools Got to Number One

Here’s an interesting article from Thomas Friedman in today’s New York Times recounting his experiences from visiting a high performing Shanghai School;

New York Times Article

Oh, how this article will disappoint many. How some educators around the world will beat their chests about how PISA isn’t the only measure of greatness in schools or an education system. Oh, how many will hate the fact that the conclusions are that they don’t suffer from the complacency and the ‘plague of mediocrity’ that blights so many education systems. Instead, there’s no ‘magic sauce’. Instead they take some fundamental things that we all know make a difference and they work harder at them, more determinedly and with a mindset that says – you can’t get too good at these things and there’s always scope for improvement.

Wow, hard work and a never ending pursuit of excellence in fundamental areas might come back in to fashion!!

Teachers – Professional Development

There is a strong recognition that if there is to be real change in education and a genuine improvement in overall quality/ learning experiences for pupils then the professional development of teachers is a critical element in the equation.

Edweek Article on Teacher Professional Development

There are plenty of examples to show that achieving effective professional development of teachers is not about just simply increasing investment. It is necessary to go about the professional development of teachers in very systematic ways, combining a judicious mix of off-the-job study and reflection with on-the-job support and mentoring. One of the most important factors is a culture in which peers are ready to share frank and open feedback in a spirit of mutual learning for continuous professional growth.

There has to be a willingness on the part of educators to engage in critical inquiry in to their own practice – acknowledging the importance of process alongside content, both for the teacher and the learner.

This article gives some other interesting observations on what it takes to ensure effective teacher professional development.