Virtual Learning Network

Focus

Establish LCO level management team and systems.

Explanation

In addition to the staff who are directly concerned with the day-to- day operations of online teaching and learning, there need to be structures in place for governance and management of the LCO. This management team will drive the strategic direction of the LCO and develop and confirm policy and protocol for LCO operations. For many LCO, the governance structure consists of all member schools' principals. For larger LCO, the governance group may consist of a smaller group of principals and school leaders who act as an ‘Executive Group’ and have a mandate to make decisions on behalf of the LCO.

In addition to this, many LCO appoint an ePrincipal/LCO leader as part of this management team. There are other models of governance that could be considered by an LCO that includes bringing in expertise from the wider school community (for example, BOT members, student representation, and community trusts).

The administrative systems this team should be setting up at this stage would be:

• collective policy on student achievement e.g. reporting, processing of NZQA data
• protocols and guidelines for student support
• procedures for managing teaching problems e.g. staff movement, struggling teachers, professional integrity, and compliance issues
• procedures for managing student participation - enrolments, withdrawals, attendance
• administrative pathways between students, teachers and coordinators in schools e.g. publishing of online learning timetables, distribution of contact information.

Action

• Confirm governance structures of the LCO.
• Set up administrative systems.
• Develop policies and protocols.
• Ensure links with administrative systems, policies and protocols already in existence for face-to-face context.