Staff Development

Staff development is much more than teacher appraisal, but it has been subject to the same limitations. Where it has taken place it has often done so almost accidentally as a result of the persistence and determination of an individual teacher or through the vision of a particular head teacher. There have been few examples until recently of sustained, coherent and comprehensive programmes for staff development. Now, at a time of substantial pressure upon schools, when teachers are reacting to changes in curriculum, changes in financial management and changes in accountability, the need for a well thought out system for staff development is becoming recognized. Bradley examines that relationship between staff development and school improvement. He explores ways in which the needs of the individual and those of the school can be established and synthesized. A central theme is the effective management of staff development.