The Scottish School Board Association (SSBA) was set up by parents in Scotland in l991. It aims to promote and encourage partnerships in education. SSBA currently represents over 75% of schools in Scotland, with a parent and teacher membership of almost 20,000. SSBA brings together educationalists, parents, pupils, governments at both local and national level as well as members of local communities to discuss and develop best practice which in turn leads to improved standards in schools. SSBA provides School Board training for parents and teachers throughout Scotland.
The Association produces a newsletter for parents, teachers and members of the community four times per year. Each year there is a 'special edition' and in the past these have featured various subjects such as 'anti-vandalism'; 'the danger of drugs'; and 'safe school trips'.
The Association runs a very busy problem solving service which has proved very successful and very useful to many Boards and Headteachers over the years. Attendance at School Board meetings by SSBA representatives and other members of the Executive Board has proved worthwhile.
SSBA has over the years been represented on many national bodies including the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Higher Still Development Committee, Forum on Scottish Education, National Consumer Council on Education, Scottish Initiative on Attendance and Absence, Road Safety Cycling Committee, The Scottish Office Forum on Walking and the Forum for Religious Education, The General Teaching Council, among others.
Training Courses for School Board members and members of the Education Authorites support staff are run on a regular basis. A total of almost 100 training courses have been run in the last 18 months with many more planned for the next year, especially for new members of School Boards. Individual schools and groups of schools are also getting togther and SSBA are also providing these School Board members with training.
The training courses currently on offer include: -
School Boards - Partnerships and Responsibilities;
Effective School Board at Work;
Appointment of Head Teachers and Depute Head Teachers; and
Headteachers Working with their School Boards
