English domain - Characteristics of effective schools

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Improving student outcomes in literacy for students in the middle years of schooling

This resource presents evidence-based advice and supporting examples for school leaders and teachers about effective strategies to ensure that:

• all schools actively pursue excellence in teaching literacy
• literacy learning outcomes for all students continue to improve.

The advice draws on and aligns the Effective Schools Model (Sammons, Hillman and Mortimore, 1995) to key findings from the evaluations of the Access to Excellence and Restart initiatives, and the Middle Years Literacy Research Project and Successful Interventions in Literacy Research Project. Additional information about these projects is available on the English domain - Research page.

The Effective Schools Model provides a lens through which schools can think about their performance, their plans and their priorities. For further information see Effective Schools Model (www.le.ac.uk/education/ESI/doc1f.html)

This advice should be read in conjunction with the Equity Guidelines

Click on the links below to access support for each area of the effective schools model:

• Shared vision and goals
• Purposeful teaching
• High expectations
• Learning communities
• Accountability
• Stimulating and secure learning environment
• Professional leadership
• Focus on learning and teaching