Scottish Education

[Short Ron <ron.short@marshalls.co.uk>]

I have read with great interest the recent debates in education, I would
like to add a recent proposal from The Scottish Education Authority which is
totally contradictory to Deming's teachings. The Government this week set
out a proposal to ensure all teachers achieve a minimum standard. Those who
don't they want the rights to sack them. What would Deming feel about this
statement. To me it is typical of government in the United Kingdom. I work
in manufacturing and practice Deming's ways wherever possible in order to
improve systems. The above Government tactic is totally against improvement.
If a minimum standard is set then those who the standard is set upon will
only achieve the minimum to keep themselves in a job. The new system will
not allow the Education system in Scotland to improve unless it is through
individuals efforts. Surely our governing bodies cant be so short sighted.
As I believe improvement should be led from the top then it can filter down
to the masses and succeed. I feel our teachers do a great job and can fully
understand why they leave education and seek alternative employment. If my
superiors did not promote an air of continuous improvement and more
importantly not give me the backing and resources to achieve it, I would
also have to consider my position.
This new education tactic is totally contradictory to improvement.

Ron Short