Lynch School Brennan Professor Andrew Hargreaves (second from right) joins fellow international experts for the ICEA’s first meeting with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. (Credit: Government of Scotland)
Lynch School of Education Brennan Professor Andrew Hargreaves met with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon August 31 as a member of the country's new International Council of Education Advisors.
Hargreaves is part of a group of 10 international experts that spent two days talking to students and teachers about their experiences in Scottish education, reflecting on the findings of a recent Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development study, and discussing measures outlined in the government’s Education Delivery Plan to reform Scotland’s education system and close the achievement gap.
“The ten members of the International Council of Education Advisers have extensive experience advising governments around the world on school improvement," Sturgeon said in a news release. "Education is this Government’s top priority, and I am delighted to welcome the panel to Scotland to showcase the strengths of our education system and hear their thoughts on our plans for reform."
Hargreaves, a member of the OECD team that reviewed Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, said the country has a strong national curriculum, professional teachers and a focus on ensuring educational equity.
“We are all are keenly aware that there is still more work to be done however and the International Council of Education Advisors will do everything it can to offer some of the best evidence and insights from around the world, and to give candid and constructive feedback on the government's own proposals and evolving directions," Hargreaves said. "This a chance for all of us, together, to help Scotland lead the world in improving educational excellence and equity in ways that preserve and promote the richness of learning and the excitement of teaching.”
—Ed Hayward | News & Public Affairs