Resources

Publications

We have a number of publications that detail our approach and work in different areas.

Reports

Our reports cover different aspects of collaborative action research in schools.

Presentations

Our presentations are available to download in pdf form

Glossary of Terms

Most frequently used terms

Collaborative Action Research (CAR) uses research to critically examine current arrangements, make changes based on evidence and monitor the impact of those changes.

At its core, CAR should involve two or more organisations working together, to share ideas and perspectives, for the accomplishment of a shared goal. 

In education, CAR can help to improve student learning and individual and wider professional practice, and combat professional isolation.

It has three steps:

  • Defining the problem (what are we trying to accomplish?)
  • Detailing the anticipated outcome (how will we know that a change is an improvement?)
  • Developing sustainable models of change (what change can we then make that will result in improvement?)

The Scottish Attainment Challenge is about achieving equity in education, ensuring every child has the same opportunity to succeed.

It focuses on improvement activity in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing in specific areas of Scotland:

  • Glasgow
  • Dundee
  • Inverclyde
  • West Dunbartonshire
  • North Ayrshire
  • Clackmannanshire
  • North Lanarkshire
  • East Ayrshire
  • Renfrewshire

A full explanation is available on the Scottish Government website.

The Pupil Equity Fund (PEF) is aimed at closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

It is given directly to schools and is spent at the discretion of the head teacher working in partnership with their local authority. Some 95 percent of schools in Scotland have been given funding for pupils in Primary 1 to S3 known to be eligible for free school meals.

The RICs are ‘virtual’ bodies, formed with the aim of improving education and closing the poverty-related attainment gap in the schools in their areas.

They work together to give advice and support to schools, and to share examples of good work across local authority borders. There are six RICs in Scotland:

  • Forth Valley and West Lothian Collaborative
  • Northern Alliance
  • South East Improvement Collaborative (
  • South West Collaborative
  • Tayside Regional Improvement
  • West Partnership.

Those living in poverty often face the greatest challenge to reach their full potential.

Thanks to the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017, Scotland has statutory targets to reduce the number of children experiencing the damaging effects of poverty by 2030.

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