School Services Officers Professional Learning
What informs SSO professional learning?
In 2006 the Department conducted a review of SSO professional learning needs and an evaluation of the SSO Accredited Online Training program.
This research consisted of three phases:
- In-depth interviews - The findings are included in Progress Report 1 (PDF - 241Kb)
- Survey of SSOs - The findings are included in Progress Report 2 (PDF - 1.1Mb)
- Focus groups - The findings of all three phases are included in the Final Report (PDF - 668Kb)
This research highlights the level of school support as a distinct enabler in supporting SSO professional learning. A number of further factors enabling SSOs to participate in professional learning opportunities have been identified:
- ensuring that all SSOs have an individual PD plan
- including SSOs in the Performance and Development Culture accreditation process
- including learning opportunities for SSOs alongside teachers.
This research confirms that SSOs play an essential role in school improvement making schools more enriching experiences for students in the support provided to teaching and learning.
In response to this research a statewide professional learning program has been developed for SSOs and Secondary Teacher Assistants (STAs). This program has been developed based on the diverse roles and preferences that emerged from the research.
Secondary Teacher Assistants Initiative
The Secondary Teacher Assistants initiative is a new workforce reform strategy that is part of the Government’s ‘Better schools better performance’ policy which aims to improve educational outcomes and support teaching excellence in Victorian schools.
The Secondary Teacher Assistants initiative aims to support secondary teachers in the classroom by reducing the administrative component of their workload to enable them to focus on their core work of teaching and learning.
This initiative is supported through professional learning, which is provided for both STAs and the teachers who monitor their workload.
SSO Professional Learning Opportunities
Programs are available for School Services Officers (SSOs) and Secondary Teacher Assistants (STAs) These programs are funded by DEECD and delivered by Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE in multiple locations across the state.
SSO Professional Leaning program for SSOs and STAs – this program consists of three phases.
- Phase 1 – open to STAs and the teachers who monitor their workload – interactive workshop - focuses on role clarity and workload planning
- Phase 2 – open to STAs and other SSOs – interactive workshop - focuses on communication and interpersonal skills
- Phase 3 – open to STAs and other SSOs – flexible delivery - focuses on learning styles
For further information on these programs please contact: Ela Kloss on 03 9637 3836 or by email at kloss.ela.e@edumail.vic.gov.au
- Professional Development for School Business Managers - listing of financial management support and resources available.
- School Systems Training and Support (secure website - requires password) - offers over 40 face-to-face training modules as well as a variety of online training modules for current School Service Officers and new users. Training sessions are offered at regional training centres.
Resources
- Resources - general professional learning resources, as well as resourses specific to SSOs in Administration, General Teacher Aides, Multicultural Education Aides, Food Technology Teacher Support, Information Technology Teacher Support, Library Teacher Support, and Science Teacher Support