School Accountability and Improvement Framework
The School Accountability and Improvement Framework (SAIF) articulates three outcomes that government schools strive to achieve; that is, improved student learning, enhanced student engagement and wellbeing, and successful transitions and pathways.
The Framework supports schools by enabling them to:
- Evaluate progress towards the improvement goals and targets via an internal school self-evaluation and an external school review
- Plan for improvement via a four-year school strategic plan and an annual implementation plan
- Report on progress in core school performance indicators and other achievements via an annual report to the school community
- Manage risk and compliance with legislation and departmental policies via an on-line school compliance checklist.
These elements are not discrete and independent tasks but rather, in keeping with the intent and principles of good governance, are part of a coherent planning and reporting process for organising school improvement efforts. Moreover, there are strong linkages between school planning and principal performance and development planning.
Participation in initiatives such as the Ultranet and the e5 Instructional Model will be evident through the goals, targets, strategies and actions defined in the school’s strategic plan and annual implementation plan, with achievements communicated through the annual report to the school community. While program areas may request the collection of other data or information to evaluate initiatives, every endeavour will be made to minimise the administrative workload for schools.
Resources
SAIF Document Retention Schedule (Excel - 25Kb)
The updated document builds on learnings from the following research projects / evaluations:
- Auspoll (2006) Evaluation of the School Planning and Reporting Elements of the School Accountability and Improvement Framework for Government Schools (PDF - 113Kb) - Final Report
- Specialist Schools and the new School Accountability and Improvement Framework for Government Schools - Final Report (Word - 63Kb)
- The Implementation of the School Accountability and Improvement Framework in Victorian Small Schools (Word - 188Kb)
- Victorian Residential (Camp) Schools (Word - 58Kb) - a brief review of issues related to their engagement with the School Accountability and Improvement Framework
Regional contacts
Regional Network Leaders and regional accountability and improvement personnel can provide further assistance to schools. For the current regional personnel supporting accountability and improvement, see Regional Office Contact List (PDF - 22Kb).