Understanding the work of the board

Ko te mārama ki ngā mahi a te poari

Monitoring your board’s performance is an important part of your role. It’s a good way to track your progress and ensure your school stays on track. To do this and to make sure you’re putting your efforts in the right place and that the work your board is carrying out is effective, you will need to embark on a cycle of monitoring and review.

Your responsibilities as a board

Creating a timetable and method to gather data on the work of the board will give you hard evidence on which to make any future decisions. If you haven’t done this before, the board may want to set up a committee to gather the information you need to get started. Or you are welcome to contact NZSTA for advice at any time.

What you need to know about monitoring

Primarily, you need to know what key work areas you want to monitor and then develop a method for monitoring your performance so that you can act promptly and make decisions if anything needs improving or updating. To get started, we recommend NZSTA’s professional development modules focused on the charter review and review of school performance.

Why

Why monitoring is important

Monitoring your performance across each of your key work areas will help your board track progress and report back accurately to your community. It’ll also give you the information to do more of what’s working well and to take a different course of action when things aren’t not running so smoothly.

What

What tools are used to monitor progress

One way to effectively monitor your progress is to set up a self-review timetable covering a 3-year period to align with your board’s 3-year term of office. We recommend this approach to all school boards and can give you help to set up.

How

How data can be collected

A good way to collect data is to develop a process that allows the board to collect information on each of the key work areas. For example, you might want to set up a data collection system for tracking progress towards implementing the charter or 10-year property plan. You might want the same approach for school finances and curriculum achievement. Use board meetings to discuss work progress and any data coming through and to make decisions about your work. And, remember, to get in touch if you need help or advice at any time.

Professional Development

NZSTA Knowledge Hub

Visit our Knowledge Hub where you can find a range of learning tools, such as 80+ interactive modules, videos, podcasts, e-books, and events and workshops in your region.

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