CDE Overview

Create an OUTSTANDING SCHOOL with support from the international network of Community Designed Education (CDE)

On this page you will find:

• Benefits of the CDE Process
• Background to the Network
• Breakdown of the 3 Year Process
  

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Benefits of the CDE Process

The feedback from our 60+ schools worldwide has shown these main benefits:

• Finding your own answers to the creation of an outstanding school
• A marked improvement in student attendance, achievement and well-being
• A significant reduction in the amount of money spent on supply teachers
• Making time an ally rather than an enemy
• Developing leadership capacity across the whole school
• Creating a clarity of thought and a clear implementation strategy for achieving excellence
• Converting resistance to change into a powerfully committed passion for the future

“The review finds that the process of developing a shared vision has had a positive impact on teaching and learning strategies across the school. Staff and students share a commitment to learning and exploring ideas.” (Extract from Baverstock Oaks School ERO Review 2006)

Background to the Network

The CDE Network was founded in 2003 by Bill Martin and John Edwards. The principles are based on Bill’s lifetime achievement of creating outstanding, award-winning schools in the USA and John’s award-winning work within Australian and New Zealand business, elite sport and research.

In 2005, James Nottingham observed the process first hand in New Zealand schools. From that moment he was determined to bring the network into the UK and Europe. From that point the network has grown into a membership of more than 50 schools across 5 countries and is predicted to reach 70 schools by the end of 2008.

A Three Year Process

By joining the CDE Network, schools commit to three years of support from the network facilitators. This is the length of time needed to achieve sustainable and deep-rooted growth.

During the three years, two CDE facilitators spend 2 days per year in each school. This is in addition to all staff within CDE schools being offered professional coaching and technical support. Furthermore, five leaders from each school are invited to attend an annual Network Leaders Day held in each country that supports and further develops leadership capacity and growth.

The breakdown of each year is as follows:

Year One

• Identify a SHARED VISION, drawn from the collective intellect of every member of the school community
• Develop LEADERSHIP CAPACITY across the whole school
• Support every member of staff to engage in professional RESEARCH to identify the best ways of achieving the school vision

CDE Support Day 1: Create a Shared Vision Together
CDE Support Day 2: Learn How to Build Leadership Capacity

“There is a high degree of commitment to a recently developed vision, created by the staff, board and community. This vision accurately reflects the school community’s aspirations for high quality educational outcomes for it’s students” (Murupara School, New Zealand ERO Review 2006)

Year Two

• Analyse the data collected by the staff research to DESIGN A CLEAR PLAN of action
• Agree an implementation strategy that has COMMITMENT and ACCOUNTABILITY
• RAISE ACHIEVEMENT by focussing staff attention on the direction of the school

CDE Support Day 1: Present and Analyse Research Findings
CDE Support Day 2: Plan Implementation Strategies to Achieve School Vision

“I was stunned by the amount of enthusiasm generated. I can now see that we have created the motivation and commitment to move forwards together, with everyone contributing to the growth, development and success of our school.” (Headteacher, Amble First School, UK)

Year Three

• Revisit the shared vision and FINE TUNE the implementation plan
• ALIGN SCHOOL SYSTEMS to the values, beliefs and assumptions of the shared vision
• Broaden staff REPERTOIRES to ensure capacity and commitment

CDE Support Day 1: Staff training to develop skills and attitudes needed to achieve the vision
CDE Support Day 2: Analysis and redesign of school systems and structures

“I want to thank you sincerely for your support over the last 3 years. We have replaced hopelessness with hope, and exhaustion with achievement. We are a much healthier place with more learning and better quality thinking.”(Headteacher, Canon Hill State School, Australia)

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