Practice tools
The practice tools support schools to effectively implement the improvement cycle as part of school review, strategic and annual implementation planning, and regular cycles of inquiry.
Schools use the practice tools in an integrated way to self-evaluate the effectiveness and impact of their practice on student outcomes against the 5 core elements of the FISO 2.0, using a broad range of data and evidence.
The practice tools comprise the following:
- system measures to support planning
- illustrations of practice
- continua of practice
- curriculum map for wellbeing capabilities.
Some of the practice tools are available on the Resources tab. An overview of each practice tool is provided below.
System measures to support planning (new resource)
The system measures include for example NAPLAN, Teacher Judgement, Attitudes to School Survey, and the School Staff Survey. They provide a reliable set of evidence-based measures for schools to use when evaluating and monitoring their practice.
The measures have been identified from Departmental analysis of data from Victorian government schools, with measures selected by their largest impact on, and correlation to, positive learning and wellbeing outcomes for Victorian government school students. They are also supported by Australian and international academic research.
Illustrations of practice (new resource)
The illustrations of practice are examples of effective practice within each dimension. They are used to diagnose areas for improvement, and can be used as a benchmark against which to reflect on current practice.
The FISO 2.0 dimensions indicate priority areas of practice that improve students’ learning and wellbeing. Self-evaluation of practice against the dimensions is supported by the illustrations of practice for each dimension, which support schools to look more closely at specific aspects of their practice within each dimension.
Continua of practice (new resource)
The continua of practice is a summative 4-point scale used in self-evaluation of the FISO core elements. Schools engage in self-evaluation of their practices and performance using a range of data and evidence including:
- system measures to support planning
- illustrations of practice
- school-based student data and evidence.
Self-evaluation against the continua comprises a balanced consideration of both student learning and wellbeing outcomes (to understand evidence of impact) and, using the illustrations of practice and school-based student data and evidence, an assessment of what practice in the school need further focused effort to improve student learning and wellbeing outcomes for this dimension.
Schools use the continua of practice as part of a review, and strategic and annual planning processes in the Strategic Planning Online Tool .
The continua of practice is being updated and will be available soon.
Wellbeing capabilities – curriculum map
The 5 wellbeing capabilities are sets of knowledge and skills essential for students’ positive mental health and wellbeing. The wellbeing capabilities are taught explicitly in and through the teaching and learning program. They are not separate learning areas or capabilities but found within the Victorian Curriculum.
The wellbeing capabilities support schools to better understand the needs of their students to help them thrive, contribute, and respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of life. The purpose of the curriculum map is to illustrate the key learning areas and capabilities in the Victorian curriculum in which to find these sets of knowledge and skills. It can be used by teachers and school leaders to advance the wellbeing capabilities via their teaching and learning program.
By integrating learning and wellbeing, schools prepare students to manage the complexities of the world they live in. An increased focus on wellbeing can support students in being more resilient. To improve the health and wellbeing of students, a whole-school approach is critical for ensuring universal support. The illustrative curriculum map of the wellbeing capabilities supports schools to integrate learning and wellbeing as part of the teaching and learning program.
The curriculum map will be available soon.
Reviewed 29 May 2024