Intelligent Accountability: Creating the conditions for teachers to thrive

by David Didau

Senior leaders determine the aims and values of the school. Consensus is sought by explaining the rationale behind these decisions. Constructive criticism and professional scepticism are encouraged so that weak points can be identified in advance. Best bets are selected to advance the agreed values and purposes of the institution. Middle leaders – if they have earned autonomy – are trusted to interpret these bets with their teams in the ways that best suit their areas of responsibility. If they have not yet earned this autonomy, they are supported in doing so. Teachers are trusted to implement the approaches that have been agreed that best suit their students. If they have not yet earned this autonomy, they are supported in doing so. Everyone is held to account for what they have agreed is the best way of implementing the shared aims and values of the school.