Workload Solutions

Do people who sit at roundtables, pondering policy in their ivory towers, actually know what they are doing?

Workload would be easier if teachers understood the benefits! say DfE advisers!

Yes, I know, these headlines drive me mad too! Please hang on to your mobile devices and stay firmly in your seat; find something solid to hold on to – preferably fixed to the floor – to stop you from throwing it at someone. Warning: Read the rest of the impromptu blog in isolation; preferably away from students, parents and loved ones; protect your own well-being and frustrations …

Members of government-appointed groups investigating how to reduce teacher workload believe the burden could be eased if staff understood the benefits of what they have to do, TES can reveal. (Source)

One moment …

Image: Shutterstock

Hang on.

… I’ve just had to picked myself back up off the floor!

That’s right. We need a better understanding of our work, in order to address our own workload.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the ATL, said: “A year on from the government’s Workload Challenge, little has changed. [Workload] is damaging teachers’ health, making many want to leave the profession, and means they are exhausted in class.”

Pragmatic Advice:

One year on, we are still waiting. Understanding our workload may help us understand what we are being asked to do, but this advice won’t actually help us to be able do it.

I’ve written countless times about practical solutions to the Workload Challenge. If there are no pragmatic solutions and/or changes in national policy or funding, then nothing, other than guidance will come about as a result of the three working parties. It will simply be hot air.

As a reminder, the working groups are;

1. Lesson Planning.
2. Marking.
3. Data Management.

Image: Shutterstock

I may just stay under my desk if anymore nonsense comes out of this. There are sensible and experienced people sitting on each of these committees, in a position of trust and power. They are speaking on behalf of all of us, and someone needs to have a tantrum at DfE headquarters. If we do not kick up a fuss, I fear all we will read is further guidance and no further change in national policy.

I look forward to any useful strategies being implemented from the result of these working parties. I will hold my breath.

In the meantime, I look forward to meeting with some national union representatives over the coming weeks; starting with @CyclingKev tomorrow, who is the deputy general secretary of the National Union of Teachers.

TT.