IDEAS at Middle Ridge State School
(Innovative Designs for Enhancing Achievements in Schools)
IDEAS is an approach to school revitalisation. It values the work and professionalism of teachers in schools and recognises the complexity of teaching and learning, as well as the ability of teachers to exhibit forms of leadership which traditionally have not been recognised.
The Australian Research Council has found that enhanced outcomes have been recorded in schools where the IDEAS process operates. These include
- Student outcomes - significant improvement in key learning areas as well as in motivation, engagement and self-esteem;
- Professional outcomes - heightened teacher morale and status, improved processes of collaborative learning;
- Community outcomes - improved public perception of schools and the teaching profession
Middle Ridge State School has participated in the IDEAS process since mid-2003. A school-based teacher facilitator and IDEAS School Management Team manage the process.