The following information was sent out to schools last week to outline our approach to moderation in Literacy/English and Numeracy/Mathematics for the coming session…

Literacy & English and Numeracy & Mathematics

Rationale

Building the Curriculum 5 states that “professional dialogue is central to the creation of [a] shared understanding” and that “Local Authorities will develop procedures for moderation across their schools and for linking local and national arrangements.” This document outlines East Lothian’s approach to providing opportunities for teachers to participate in professional dialogue and collegiate working.

Inputs

The Local Authority is facilitating three cluster level moderation meetings and three East Lothian wide meetings this session for each of Literacy & English and Numeracy & Maths. An introductory meeting for cluster representatives will also be held in September 2010. These meetings are intended to support moderation activity which should be taking place in all schools as part of Curriculum for Excellence.

Outcomes

By the end of the 2010/11 session, moderation activity as outlined in Building the Curriculum 5 is taking place across East Lothian in Literacy & English and Numeracy & Maths. By this time, practitioners will be developing a shared understanding of standards and expectations for the broad general education (early to fourth levels).

Personnel

Each School (Nursery, Primary & Secondary) should identify a moderation coordinator for each of Literacy & English and Numeracy & Maths; these are referred to as ‘School Coordinators’ below. Some small schools may wish to share these roles. Three (two Nursery/Primary and one Secondary) of these coordinators will represent their cluster at Authority Moderation meetings and lead their Cluster Moderation meetings; these are referred to as ‘Cluster Coordinators’ below.

Timetable

September > Introductory Meetings > L&E 16/09/10 N&M 24/09/10
All Cluster Coordinators to attend a half-day meeting which will provide them with clarification of their role, an overview of the planned process and an opportunity for discussion.

November > Cluster Moderation Meetings > Week Beginning 15/11/10
Cluster Coordinators lead meetings with School Coordinators to provide them with clarification of their role, an overview of the planned process and an opportunity for discussion.

November/December > Authority Moderation Meetings > L&E 02/12/10 N&M 30/11/10
Cluster Coordinators come together to discuss outcomes from Cluster Moderation Meetings and to plan for moderation from January.

January/February > Cluster Moderation Meetings > Week Beginning 31/01/11
Cluster Coordinators lead meetings with School Coordinators to carry out moderation activity using examples from schools in their cluster.

March > Authority Moderation Meetings > L&E 15/03/11 N&M 17/03/11
Cluster Coordinators meet to carry out moderation activity using examples from the Cluster Moderation Meetings.

May > Cluster Moderation Meetings > Week Beginning 23/05/11
Cluster Coordinators lead meetings with School Coordinators to carry out moderation activity using examples from schools in their cluster.

June > Authority Moderation Meetings > L&E 07/06/11 N&M 09/06/11
Cluster Coordinators meet to carry out moderation activity using examples from the Cluster Moderation Meetings.