How is the LAOS 2022 different to the 2016 version?

I've always loved the Looking at Our Schools Document because it provides teachers with a framework to assess and reflect on how we are developing as professionals. I created a resource with practical questions that help teachers to reflect on how they are progressing in their careers. You'll find it here.

As we progress and make changes in the education system the LAOS document is a fantastic place to allow career and executive coaches to support schools as an organisation and their school leaders based on the statements in LAOS. In 2022 - the document changed slightly - to adapt to our changing culture. Here's a little summary about what is the same in both documents and what makes the 2022 version different. 

Similarities and Differences

• The Primary and Post Primary Levels of Looking at Our Schools - are very similar - each document has the same focus, statements and aspirations and domains. 

• 2016 and 2022: There are 2 elements (called dimensions) – Learning and Teaching, Leadership and Management

• 2016 and 2022: I always encourage my clients for interview purposes to focus on the standards and NOT the statements of effective and highly effective practice and ask 'What are all the ways that I do this? and How do I know that my students are progressing well? Focusing on the columns to the right - encourage the individual to go into a comparison state and judge themselves against other applicants. Keep things simple and reflect on yourself. 

• 2016 and 2022: The LAOS document is used in 5 ways – recruitment, reflection, transparency across the school, developing and sustaining school leaders, encouraging professional learning

• 2016 and 2022: As you read the document ask the question of yourself: How do I do this task?

• 2016 and 2022: For interviews, Keep an eye on (but don’t dwell on) the statements of practice - they may give you a few ideas. 

• 2016 and 2022: Coaches (or teachers with coaching skills) would be a huge asset to schools in developing professional conversations around how LAOS is being lived in the school.

• LAOS 2022: This version is more colourful and would appeal more to visual learners who enjoy using images to process what is being outlined in the text. 

• LAOS 2022: There is a nice addition of 'Appendix A' which outlines the characteristics of a school with a positive school culture and environment (p. 43) It is a framework to support schools in reflecting on policy and practice in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (2013)

Here's an explanation from the document itself about why they chose to update the Looking at Our School Document: 

"While the structure and content of Looking at Our School 2022 remain substantially the same as in the 2016 publication, the framework has been updated to reflect recent educational reform, thinking and developments in areas such as child safeguarding2, anti-bullying3, inclusion, pupil participation4, parent participation5, creativity, education for sustainable development (ESD), support of pupil transitions, and Cosán, the national framework for teachers’ learning. There are also strengthened references to aspects of learning and teaching that became all the more significant as schools responded to the needs of their pupils in the context of COVID-19. (pg. 6)"

You can download LAOS 2022 here.

If you want to learn more about the practical application of the LAOS document - you can learn lots more in my Teacher Membership called 'The Teachers' Promotion Club. Learn more about it here.

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