Ticking the right boxes

The policy development faculty seems to be ticking the right boxes while agencies responsible for execution are a bit wanting in some respects. Schools continue to give their best selves but can do much better with a bit of external aid. One critical area where the policy makers got it right and therefore deserve accolades was the creation and evolution of regional structures intended to ensure monitoring at close range, of the delivery of curricula and utilisation of resources in schools.

On account of their proximity to schools, regional structures are strategically placed to quickly scan and diagnose ‘broken areas’ and order and facilitate remedial actions. For instance, regions are expected to acquit themselves fairly well in terms of identifying the training needs of schools as well as developing, in collaboration with the central office, targeted professional training programmes to close performance and achievement gaps identified.