What is the role of the Education Review Section (ERS)?
The ERS is the branch within the DQSE that carries out external reviews in educational institutions. It assures
high standards in such institutions by evaluating and giving recommendations on the process quality. Process quality refers to the schools’ practices and processes related to three key areas, primarily educational leadership
and management, learning and teaching, and ethos.
What are the mission objectives of the ERS?
The mission objectives of the ERS are to:
a. ensure that all learners receive equitable entitlement to quality education and care,
b. establish and revise the National Quality Standards in education,
c. monitor and evaluate the educational institutions’ practices and progress with respect to the National Quality Standards and assure accountability,
d. provide educational institutions with clear feedback regarding the effectiveness of their educational provision and provide recommendations for improvement purposes,
e. keep key stakeholders informed about the performance and progress of the educational provision in educational institutions,
f. share practices for effective and ongoing internal review processes with educational institutions,
g. collaborate with various stakeholders as required to sustain the achievement of the above objectives.
Who assures process quality in schools?
To assure process quality in schools, the ERS employs the services of education officers who have a wide experience in the educational context. The ERS education officers have occupied roles within Senior Leadership Teams and have experience in curriculum design, teaching and learning as well as educational research. They constantly upskill themselves in areas that constitute quality education and school improvement. These Education Officers respond to the Director and Assistant Director within the DQSE and are assisted by the directorate’s secretarial staff.
What are the core principles of the ERS?
The ERS is committed to a set of core principles which permeate its input in the educational sphere. Its education officers strive to uphold the highest possible standards in their work which reflect the key principles outlined in the Public Service Management Code and the Teachers’ Code of Ethics and Practice (MEDE, 2012). The ERS actively seeks to uphold public trust and confidence and takes responsibility for quality professional practice by:
1. Displaying high level of professional conduct:
i. ensuring confidentiality and data protection within the parameters established by law,
ii. basing professional relationships on mutual trust and respect,
iii. acting with honesty, integrity and fairness,
iv. communicating sensitively with all stakeholders and being respectful of feelings, perceptions and reactions,
v. being open and responding positively to constructive feedback.
2. Embracing ongoing professional learning:
i. keeping professional knowledge and skills updated through participation in internal and external professional development opportunities,
ii. regularly reflecting upon and reviewing processes and procedures,
iii. maintaining regular contact with different educational institutions to sustain awareness of the different contexts, realities and challenges,
iv. seeking support, advice and guidance where necessary.
3. Employing effective professional skills:
i. encouraging stakeholders to be open in providing their perspective,
ii. gathering and triangulating evidence, keeping accurate records of data collected, analysing information, interpreting results, and making evaluations that are reliable and valid,
iii. collaborating and engaging in professional dialogue with the external review team members and with the various stakeholders,
iv. giving feedback and communicating clearly, constructively and effectively with the different stakeholders, ensuring transparency,
v. evaluating and reporting objectively.