NSA meeting sets the tone for 2011

We had been planning, re-planning and re-re-planning this meeting for months. The purpose was always clear; “Clarify the year's objectives, communicate the details of the training programme, motivate sufficiently to encourage implementation over the next 6 months.” The means to achieve that purpose was being adapted right up to the last minute on Wednesday afternoon with agenda changes, discussion point changes and who says what changes. It was finalised by 2.30pm as the meeting began at 3.00pm! Champa opened the meeting which was attended by Head Teachers, School Committee chairmen, teachers and our tutors. She set the scene as to the meetings direction and the issues facing us for 2011. Brian then took over and guided the meeting in smaller groups through the forthcoming training programme, the tutor workshops schedule for the summer, the student testing schedule, the implementation of lesson planning, child centred teaching and the P4C process. The key message was that the time has come for evidence of progress in each school and that a serious schools inspection will be carried out in September to determine future and continuing membership of NSA. This should not be misread, we will not punish any lack of achievement, only a lack of effort. The rewards could be VERY high, but the consequences of non implementation of some key action points could be very serious. They HAVE to understand that we have now reached the point where no progress equals no donors equals no money equals no programme. Simples! Overall the response was very positive both as to the content of this years programme over the next 6 months as well as all the implementation plans and inspections. I think we have reached a stage where there is a high degree of trust and faith in what we do which is very motivational for us too. Tomorrow is the first day of the full programme with a workshop of Values in education. The rest of the programme continues on Tuesday with a two day course on educational psychology. More tomorrow.