Government Social Research
Starting points for research in schools has been produced by a Working Group comprising Scottish Executive Education Department social researchers; representatives from the Scottish Educational Research Association including academic researchers, teacher educators and a researcher from the General Teaching Council Scotland; two primary teachers who are also teacher-researchers; and a representative from an education authority.
The purpose of the booklet is to help ensure that research in schools is carried out as well as possible, so that the potential benefits of good research can be realised for everyone concerned. The booklet talks about key issues and responsibilities that need to be considered and also looks at some of the wider implications of being involved in research. In short, it provides some guiding principles for good practice for everyone involved in research in schools. To begin with, it discusses some general issues, before considering specific issues for different groups in turn: researchers, headteachers, teachers, pupils, parents, education authorities and funders.
The Starting Points booklet is in its first draft and has been distributed widely to organisations and individuals involved in schools-based research for comments. The Working Group will then consider the responses to this draft before finalising the booklet with a view to publication and dissemination over the summer. If you would like any further information on the booklet or the opportunity to read it and provide comments please contact Jo MacDonald jo.macdonald@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, or telephone 0131 244 0906.