Evidence in literature indicates that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of teachers is essential in creating effective schools. Since 2001 the implementation of education legislation and policies has progressively shifted the new agenda within a transformation framework aimed at reconstructing the education system to the fore. The many changes that have taken place in the education system arise out of the implementation of legislation and policies and the restructuring of the education system to align with the vision of the National Department of Education. One such policy, the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) was introduced in an attempt to improve the culture of teaching and learning in schools. CPD is a performance standard in the IQMS policy which aims to contribute to the professional development of teachers. Quantitative research was used to investigate the perceptions of teachers in South African public schools on the importance of continuing professional development. The data analysis from questionnaires administered to teachers revealed that two factors form the underlying components of CPD as an aspect of IQMS, namely, purpose of teacher development programmes, and the process of teacher development programmes.

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Perceptions of teachers on the benefits of teacher development programmes in one province of South Africa

Informed professionals in the education service have put forward a model of good management practice in primary and middle schools, with particular emphasis on the curriculum. Tensions within the model contribute to a gap which exists between the model and actual practice in many schools. A management development approach may help with implementing this model of collegiate management.

Towards a collegiate approach to curriculum management in primary and middle schools

There has long been concern about the confidence and performance of the so-called non-specialist teacher of Music in the primary school. Although much research has focused on the long-term solution of educating student teachers, it is important that practising teachers are not forgotten. Many forms of training are available which attempt to help these teachers develop their current practice. This article looks at the effectiveness of this provision by examining a survey of teacher opinion, and suggests ways in which this may inform future practice in this vital area of teacher development.

INITIAL TRAINING + INSET = Confident teachers. A formula for success?

This article outlines the successful implementation of one INSET strategy to develop the current practice of non-specialist teaching of Music in the primary school and lessons learnt for future INSET provision. With an established background of inadequate provision, this article examines teacher attitudes to current strategies, and reports on the use of audio cassette tapes as an alternative source of INSET, which supports the teacher in the classroom through an active involvement within class lessons. Subsequent evaluations by teachers reveal practical findings which may be applied to future INSET provision, both in Music teaching and other areas of the curriculum

In-service education and training in the classroom

This paper reflects upon a career of 40 years involving teaching and research into the causes and solutions for school absenteeism and truancy. It includes insights into both professional and empirical work and notes how the subject has become increasingly ‘politicised’ over the last 25–30 years by governments of both persuasions: Left and Right. It also reinforces difficulties which educational researchers can face in obtaining funding for their chosen field and notes how stubbornly difficult improving school attendance and reducing truancy and school absenteeism has become, despite innovations and the changing curriculum and educational policy scenes. Moreover, truancy has changed from being a largely male phenomenon to one where girls now play an equal role.

Trevor Rushby

Papers

Staff Development in Primary Schools.