School self-review: The case of a secondary school senior management team

Abstract

This paper describes the problem analysis phase of a school-based action research project which deals with twin issues of assisting a school with the development of processes for school self-review whilst undertaking review of the Senior Management Team as a pilot exercise. The methods trialled for review of the team draw on the findings of a baseline study of team practices in New Zealand schools, the theory base on school self-review, and service quality survey methodology employing focus group discussion and performance gap analysis adapted for use in educational settings. Findings are discussed broadly in relation to the trial of an appropriate methodology for school self-review. They are also discussed specifically in relation to self-discovery for the team and its future development. Conclusions drawn from the project have implications for the team itself in relation to shaping an intervention and for future self-review practices at this school which might inform practice in other schools.