Summary

The aim of this report was to identify the extent to which Staffing, Management and Accountability reforms had been implemented as part of the Low Socio-economic Status School Communities National Partnership and the perceived effectiveness of these reforms. The evaluators surveyed school principals from participating schools, with a response rate of 59 per cent across government and non-government schools. Most schools (97%) reported implementing at least one initiative from one of the five reform areas under investigation. A very high proportion of principals (97%) reported implementing reforms that provided innovative and tailored learning opportunities. While still high, principals were less likely to report implementing incentives to attract high performing teachers and principals (77%) and adopting best practice performance management and staffing arrangements (75%). Principals reported that the reforms were effective. The reforms that were less likely to be implemented were also viewed as the most effective initiatives to bring about school improvements.