Look after school inspectors

IF questioned about a “school inspector”, today’s students might assume that a health and safety inspection was the topic.
Students from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s will remember that a visit by the inspector was something their teachers looked forward to.
In anticipation of an inspection, the teacher would ensure that the register (showing personal identification, attendance and absences) was always kept neatly up-to-date, since this was one item that was always examined to be sure that children were in regular attendance.
The inspector would also check to see that the course of study for a class was being followed and that a timetable was posted, showing the daily schedules.
He/she would examine a few students’ notebooks, listen to several read and question them on various subjects to ascertain if the subjects were being taught adequately.
School inspection was more an overseeing of the teacher rather than of the school, but likely the cleanliness and neatness of the school were also scrutinised.
The school inspector would assess schools to ensure that specific standards in teaching, learning, school leadership, students’ accomplishment and health and safety criteria were being achieved and maintained.
This also helped schools in need of assistance and provided advice and suggested ways of improvement.
The school inspection report addresses individual schools as well as school authorities.
Supervision in school, therefore, is a vital process and combination of activities which is concerned with the teaching and improvement of the teaching in the school framework. Inspection could be described as the critical examination and evaluation of a school as a place of learning.
It is now a concern for the Education Department that some school inspectors are not living and working where they are supposed to, especially in the districts.
School inspectors’ houses should be built in their district of appointment so they can live and work there.
Inspectors are the last line of defence for education and should perform to their best. Their work is important in maintaining the standards of education.
School inspection is one of the most challenging aspects in education because it represents an approach of accountability in teaching and learning.
The inspector’s job is to inspect schools and to report on their quality and conditions.
Moreover, school inspection provides policy and decision makers with accurate information about the current state of education in their respective institutions.
The feedback from inspectors is to help teachers with their teaching and learning practice.
Many will say teachers and head teachers are expected to adhere to educational requirements and expectations of stakeholders.
All teachers in Papua New Guinea must be inspected by the Education Department on a regular basis.
Schools and their board of managements must take responsibility for improvements.
Effective schools are the ones that are constantly reviewing their own practice and seeking to find ways to ensure school improvement.
School management and teachers reflect on the quality of teaching, learning and pupil achievement in schools.
The purpose of inspections is to ensure that high standards are maintained.
Inspections ensure that there is continuing development of the educational system.
It is time the Education Department puts it foot down and ensure school inspectors are looked after well in order for them to perform their task efficiently without fear or favour.