Develop IDSOs to conduct and support SMTs Community of Practice (CoPs)

Terms of reference (ToR) Statement

To develop IDSOs to conduct and support Schools Management Teams (SMTs) Community of Practice (CoPs) in their Districts to enable SMTs develop meaningful Subject Improvement Plans (SIP) in line with a three Tier Capacity Building Programme for SMTs.

Background to C.L.A.S.S. Consulting

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting is an agency servicing the DBE and provincial Departments of Education. In the course of its operations provides products and services for the DBE to narrow the gap between curriculum policy and practice at schools. These services and products are procured in accordance with DBE procurement policy, framework and PFMA (Public Finance Management Act).

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting facilitates the roll out of the Teacher Development Strategy and conducts capacity building programs. One of the programs is on the development of Curriculum Implementers to conduct and support COPS for an SMT’s capacity building programme

Benefits of the Project Terms of reference (ToR) Statement

Experience in school improvement and effectiveness by C.L.A.S.S. Consulting has highlighted the importance of having tangible innovative support measures in place to ensure that the support that schools receive will result on improved learner performance through curriculum delivery, parental involvement and safe learning environment. Many different CPD models have been developed and lesson learned, and now C.L.A.S.S. Consulting has a three tier programme for SMTs to develop data-driven Subject Improvement Plans. C.L.A.S.S. Consulting has the commensurate experience in this regard to develop and   support IDSOs and SMTs on the WHAT, WHY, HOW and PRACTICE of CoPs.

Objectives

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will develop curriculum materials, to support IDSOs/SMTs on the WHAT, WHY, HOW and PRACTICE of CoPs.

Scope of Project

  • Development of curriculum materials on CoPs that will include conceptual framework on what is CoPs, Why CoPs, How to run CoPs, Facilitator guide and DVD of CoPs in Practice and e-learning documents that can support CoPs to use the developed SMT Toolkit.
  • Support IDSO/SMTs during the implementation of CoPs in the Districts.
  • Development of a presence and profile strategy showing CoPs in action in the province.

Methodology

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will not dictate a particular methodology. Whatever approach is used must consist of various strategies that also exploit the technological platforms available to allow for large scale application. The methods will include the HOW & WHY and WHO and PRACTICE so that the programme can be sustained long after C.L.A.S.S. Consulting has left the programme after 12 months. The developed curriculum materials should be interactive, visual and user – friendly. Most importantly the focus should be on “transference of skills” to the client base to avoid dysfunctional rescuing where the client remains dependent on the service provider.

Competencies and expertise

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will provide evidence of the following:

  • Well rounded on the WHAT & WHY, HOW of CoPs
  • Proven experience on District and School Improvement Planning
  • Experience on the use of e-learning as an alternative method for training and development
  • Development of interactive experiential learning materials
  • Show an experience of working in collaboration in reform projects

Outputs and Deliverables

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will deliver:

  • A multi-media package that will include a DVD, Facilitator  Guide on WHAT & WHY, HOW of CoPs, CoPs Conceptual Framework, Tools and Templates to use for CoPs various stages of development and implementation
  • A project close-out report

Cost includes

DVD per school including a full turnkey solution for the Department of Education which includes printing of materials, DVD’s, videos and PowerPoints, training and coaching of Curriculum Implementers and monitoring and support of roll-out.