An opportunity has arisen for representatives of ADES to meet with Professor Richard Elmore of the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University during his visit to Scotland on Friday, 30th March 2007. Many of you will know Richard Elmore's work as one of the leading thinkers on school improvement and in particular, approaches to classroom evaluation and reflection on learning and teaching. While some of you may have other have opportunities to meet Richard during his SEED-sponsored visit to Scotland, this meeting will focus on the potential of Education Authorities.

We would like to use the occasion for the first meeting of the ADES Quality Improvement Network. The meeting is to be held in HMIE's headquarters at Denholm House in Livingston. Richard will be able to meet with us from 11.00 am until 12.30 pm, after which he has to leave for another appointment (exact time to be confirmed). As we have the room till 2 pm, this would then allow us time for a meeting of the network during which we might identify potentially mutually useful areas to be explored at future meetings and fruitful channels of liaison for ADES with others working to promote improvement in Scottish education. A sandwich lunch will also be provided.

While this is fairly short notice, I would encourage Councils to send a delegate with lead responsibility for Quality Improvement who will be in a position, not only to act as the Council's link with the Network, but also to contribute to the development of an ADES perspective on this important area of each Authority's work.

Summary

Date of Meeting: Friday, 30th March 2007

Time of Meeting: 11.00-14.00

Place of Meeting: HMIE HQ, Denholm House, Almondvale Business Park, Livingston, EH54 6GA

Agenda:

Introductions and Welcome; Presentation by Professor Richard Elmore; Questions and discussion; Vote of Thanks; Identification of priorities for ADES' Quality Improvement Network; Dates of Future Meeting

Please let me know by Friday, 23rd March who will be attending from your Council. Nil returns, where applicable, would be appreciated.

Best wishes.

Ken

Ken Greer

Head of Education

Fife Council

Tel: 01592 413656