Supporting the National Improvement Strategy: a synthesis of resources and research findings
In November 2007 QIA commissioned an ambitious project to bring together existing evidence-based intelligence on improvement in the further education system.
The evidence was based on 10 key themes that were linked to priority actions in the implementation plan for the National Improvement Strategy.
The project had two purposes:
• to synthesise relevant resources and research findings in the form of a report to QIA to ensure that the development of QIA's work, its future research programme and the work of other agencies involved in the delivery of the National Improvement Strategy are based on an in-depth knowledge of issues facing the further education system: and
• to create materials that may support improvement in the sector, in the form of 'catalogues' of selected materials and summaries of key improvement messages for the themes.
The project was carried out by the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), with the Learning and Skills Network (LSN), between November 2007 and March 2008.
Links to the catalogues and summaries for each of the 10 key themes are listed below.
Please read the catalogues and summaries in conjunction with the
explanatory note which describes the approach taken to compiling the evidence, the inclusion and exclusion criteria used and how the reviews were quality assured.
Theme 1:
Learner voice and involvement
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 2:
Meeting employers' needs
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 3:
Reviewing performance and managing improvement in further education system organisations
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 4:
Further education system workforce development
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 5:
The 14 - 19 agenda
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messagesTheme 6:
Skills for Life: effective strategies to support learner persistence, progress and progression
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 7:
Quality issues in delivery of the post-16 curriculum
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 8:
Success rates, disparities and progression issues for different learner groups
Catalogue
Summary of key improvement messages
Theme 9:
The potential impact on quality of moving to a more demand-led funding system in line with the Leitch recommendatiions
Catalogue
Summary of key improvements messages
Theme 10:
Barriers and enablers in relation to more effective provider and sector self-improvement, as a precursor to self-regulation
Catalogue
Summary of key improvements messages
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