In Memory of Ruth Perry: A Call for Change in School Evaluation

In this episode, I discuss the tragic case of Ruth Perry’s death, OFSTED and its implications for the international school sector. I explore the need for a compassionate and reflective reevaluation of school inspection systems worldwide, taking lessons from Ruth's story to advocate for a more humane approach to educational oversight.

Overview of the Episode:

• In memory: Understanding the circumstances leading to the passing of Ruth Perry, a head teacher in Reading, UK, and the role of OFSTED inspections in her experience.
• Impact of Inspection Systems on Mental Health: Examining how the current school inspection processes can severely affect the mental health and well-being of education leaders.
• Global Perspective on School Inspections: Discussing the relevance of Ruth Perry’s case for international schools and the various forms of quality assurance processes they undergo.
• Rethinking Quality Assurance: Reflecting on the traditional methods of school inspection and the shift towards more empathetic and growth-oriented approaches.
• The Role of Self-Evaluation and Internal Assessments: Highlighting alternative methods such as self-evaluation, with insights from John McBeath’s work on the evolving relationship between inspections and self-evaluation.
• Coaching in Educational Leadership: Exploring the potential of coaching and structured self-reflection in transforming school evaluation systems.
• Challenges of Implementing Self-Assessment: Addressing the potential difficulties in shifting to self-assessment, including cultural mindset changes, maintaining consistency and fairness, and balancing accountability with improvement.

Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIN. My website is shaneleaning.com.

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About the host

Shane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

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