Intelligent Accountability: Creating the conditions for teachers to thrive

As with any book by David Didau I was tremendously excited about reading this. He writes with an insight, rigour and clarity that only a select few (think Daisy Christodoulou and Dylan Wiliam) match. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. That said, it was the Didau book that most challenged my own thoughts and included ideas that were slowest to convince me- that is not a bad thing. I think there were two reasons for this. Firstly, it was a focus on leadership and, despite the many millions of words written about it, it seems a challenging concept to measure and prescribe for scientifically. Particularly as school leadership is a unique challenge. Secondly, reading it as a senior leader myself – I am not convinced that David Didau think school leaders are as important as we often think we are. One piece of evidence, is his assertion that a good use of a school leaders time is covering lessons to allow staff to observe each other. I couldn’t agree more about the benefits of peer observations, but I can think of other ways to create staff time to do that, and I feel pretty busy already thanks! The final chapter of the book included a sceptical review of the illusion of leadership. It was a very thought-provoking read and I tried to not to be threatened by it and tried to read with an open mind. Indeed, I found much to agree with. Not least the focus on the importance on gaining domain specific expertise. I have now worked in middle/senior leadership in three schools and have learnt hugely every time- experiencing situations and challenges that transfer albeit having reflected on context. However, experience from the schools in which I have worked have suggested to me that a strong leader’s vision can pervade the school and set the tone. I entirely agree with Didau that trusting teachers to then deliver it is crucial. However, I suspect that I feel the leader’s vision is more important to the impact/outcomes than Didau does. Another area where I generally agreed is in his assertion that the most effective thing a leader can do is free up teachers from unnecessary workload and let them teach. My initial reaction was to disagree- probably the most important thing I am currently doing is trying to keep a school safe by developing processes and routines to cope with COVID-19. But then, thinking more closely, perhaps it is exactly this work that frees up teachers to teach as best they can, all things considered. It is a book that I will let sink in then dip back in, but, as with all David Didau books, this is a compelling read.

As a new senior leader, this book fleshes out some of the tensions that I have experienced since beginning my role about 20 months ago. We need some updated perspectives on accountability (not just more top-down models) as well as invest in trust within our schools. David has provided a thought provoking model of accountability interleaved with trust. We need to ensure that we hold everyone (including ourselves) to account, ensure that we are not trying to ‘push an agenda’, have the best interest of those around us as well as ensure that we are seeking accurate information by tapping into the collective expertise of our schools. After all, teachers are more likely to be effective if they are trusted and supported by leadership rather than being constantly ‘judged’.I will be rereading and referencing this book for years to come.

A brilliant book full of practical advice and food for thought for any senior/middle leader. I bought this in preparation for the summer holidays but unfortunately half of it is missing in a printing error & I can’t return it, so just give your copy a check if ordering!

Inspiring book, accidentally read it in 3 days, couldn’t put it down- frames high challenge low threat accountability within a positive school and classroom settling. Ideas like availability bias and lethal mutation are examples of modern pedagogical ideas being taken and shared in a user friendly format that makes you want to learn more. A must read for teachers at any level who are looking to improve their practice and understanding of why a surplus model works! Teachers want to succeed- how to create the environment for them to do so.Positively inspirational!

Finally arrived this week - another brilliant must read for school leaders. Refreshing to the point where you wish parts of this book could be made policy - everywhere...tomorrow. We need a rethink and this book provides many solutions and some food for thought. If you are a new member of SLT or want a refresh then I highly recommend this book.