BESA CORNER
This month in our ongoing feature highlighting the work of members of the UK education suppliers’ trade body BESA, we hear from ReadSpeaker and The Wisdom Partnership, publishers of WhichMIS?
Improving wellbeing and learning outcomes with text to speech
at Stafford Grammar and Prep School At Stafford Grammar School (SGS), well-being is a key focus. In addition to the creation of a Wellbeing Centre, SGS has incorporated assistive technology, ReadSpeaker TextAid, to better support students with diverse needs, particularly dyslexia, the most common need at the school.
Since rolling out text to speech, the school has seen many benefits, including: • Reduced mental load: The e-reader function allows students to listen to text, reducing the mental energy spent on decoding and reading. This is especially crucial for students with dyslexia, who can find reading exhausting.
• Improved comprehension: By minimising the effort required for reading, text to speech enables students to focus on understanding and interpreting the material.
• Increased confidence and independence: text to speech learning tools empower students to work independently and participate in classroom activities on a level playing field with their peers.
• Motivated reluctant readers: The text-to-speech function can make reading more enjoyable and engaging for students who struggle with traditional reading methods.
• Supported revision: students use TextAid to download and listen to lesson content and online resources for revision, allowing for personalised learning at their own pace.
• Continuity: Students learn to use the tools throughout their education, promoting good study habits and independent learning. Students using ReadSpeaker TextAid have reported increased confidence, willingness to work independently, and improved comprehension. The tool has helped them feel more capable and engaged in their learning.
Not only students and parents have seen the strengths in using text to speech. This assistive technology has been successfully implemented across SGS, with teachers and administrators finding it easy to learn and use. They appreciate how it shifts the focus from the mechanics of reading to comprehension and critical thinking skills, and lightens their own load in providing accommodations.
Text to speech has proven to be a valuable tool for supporting student wellbeing and learning outcomes at Stafford Grammar and Prep School. It has helped students with diverse needs, particularly dyslexia, to overcome reading challenges, improve comprehension, and achieve academic success.
To find out more, visit
https://www.readspeaker.com/sectors/education/ Navigating the evolution of Management Information Systems
Management Information Systems (MIS) have transformed from simple data repositories to essential tools that enable streamlined leadership, effective communication, and enriched curriculum delivery. These systems play a vital role in school
operations, helping administrators reduce workloads, make informed decisions, and enhance student outcomes. However, fully leveraging an MIS’s potential presents significant challenges.
In the last three years, over 6,000 schools have switched MIS providers, reflecting the dynamic nature of the market. This trend also highlights the complexities schools face in data migration, procurement and implementation. Despite these hurdles, schools that navigate these challenges successfully can achieve transformative results. Why are so many schools transitioning to new MIS platforms? Rapid technological advancements have made older systems obsolete. Schools now seek platforms with greater flexibility, better integration capabilities, and more robust analytics. Additionally, the growing size and complexity of multi-academy trusts (MATs) necessitate scalable, centralised solutions. Switching providers is not undertaken lightly. Schools must identify their core needs and ensure alignment with the values and objectives of the MIS provider. This alignment is critical to avoid implementation pitfalls and maximise system benefits. There are challenges along the way: • Data migration: One of the most significant hurdles in an MIS transition is data migration. Transferring years of historical data - including student records, attendance logs, and performance metrics - accurately and securely is a daunting task. Errors during this process can disrupt operations and erode trust among stakeholders.
• Procurement: The procurement process can be overwhelming. Schools must navigate technical specifications, vendor proposals, and legal requirements.Without expert guidance, critical details may be overlooked, and the wide array of options can be difficult to manage. • Change management: Implementing a new MIS demands careful
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change management. This includes training staff, integrating the system with existing tools, and ensuring a smooth transition. Without effective management, resistance from staff and diminished returns on investment are likely. A case in point: Pioneer Education Trust
The experience of Pioneer Education Trust demonstrates how schools can successfully navigate MIS selection and implementation. Mark Pritchard, Director of Education at Pioneer Education Trust, says: “From the outset, The Wisdom Partnership provided expert and scaffolded support to ensure our trust could make the right decisions. Steve’s guidance in identifying our needs and values, drawing up a tender, and designing the procurement process was invaluable. The team’s expertise ensured all considerations - legal, technical, and change management - were addressed.
“We are still engaged with The Wisdom Partnership as we train staff and implement the new MIS. Their leadership has significantly reduced my workload and ensured our decisions and actions meet the highest standards. I recommend them without reservation.” Unlocking potential
For schools willing to invest effort and resources, modern MIS platforms can be transformative. These systems streamline administrative tasks, provide actionable insights for leaders, and enhance communication across school communities. When implemented effectively, they allow educators to focus on teaching and learning.
Success in unlocking an MIS’s potential requires careful planning, expert guidance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools can benefit from external expertise, such as The Wisdom Partnership’s support, or dedicate internal resources to manage the transition process. As education evolves, MIS platforms will remain central to efforts to drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and enrich students’ educational experiences. By overcoming transition and implementation challenges, schools can ensure they are equipped to meet the demands of modern education.
If you’d like more information, or a complimentary MIS advice session, please contact us at
hello@whichmis.com
January 2025
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